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The differences between cost estimators and cost engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a cost estimator, becoming a cost engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a cost engineer has an average salary of $87,901, which is higher than the $69,727 average annual salary of a cost estimator.
The top three skills for a cost estimator include worksheets, risk analysis and project management. The most important skills for a cost engineer are project management, cost analysis, and construction management.
| Cost Estimator | Cost Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $69,727 | $87,901 |
| Hourly rate | $33.52 | $42.26 |
| Growth rate | -2% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 14,570 | 65,278 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 47 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
A cost estimator is responsible for conducting data and statistical analysis and cost forecasting to determine the duration, budget limitations, and required resources for project construction and development. Cost estimators identify possible cost-reduction techniques by researching the market and negotiating with suppliers and vendors with high-quality deliverables. They also review project plans and blueprints to provide accurate estimation reports for reference. A cost estimator must have excellent communication and analytical skills, documenting every progress, and adjust estimation plans as needed.
A cost engineer is responsible for projecting cost and expenses reports for the production process, identify and mitigate risks, and develop strategic techniques to reduce the excessive financial loss for project buildings. Cost engineers conduct data and statistical analysis to measure time deliverables and quality checks to ensure profitability and adherence to business objectives. They research and negotiate materials from trusted suppliers and vendors with high-quality products that would meet construction designs and client specifications.
Cost estimators and cost engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cost Estimator | Cost Engineer | |
| Average salary | $69,727 | $87,901 |
| Salary range | Between $47,000 And $102,000 | Between $64,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Meta | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a cost estimator and a cost engineer in terms of educational background:
| Cost Estimator | Cost Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between cost estimators' and cost engineers' demographics:
| Cost Estimator | Cost Engineer | |
| Average age | 47 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7% | Male, 74.1% Female, 25.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.3% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 4.5% White, 75.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% Asian, 14.4% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 6% |