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The differences between cost estimators and estimating managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a cost estimator and an estimating manager. Additionally, an estimating manager has an average salary of $95,887, 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 an estimating manager are cost estimates, construction management, and project management.
| Cost Estimator | Estimating Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $69,727 | $95,887 |
| Hourly rate | $33.52 | $46.10 |
| Growth rate | -2% | -2% |
| Number of jobs | 14,570 | 11,106 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
An estimating manager will oversee the day-to-day activities of the estimating department. Your duties typically include implementing technical estimating procedures and standards and overseeing the project estimator's work. As an estimating manager, you will be responsible for soliciting proposals and bids for labor, equipment, and material from different suppliers. Aside from these, you will be the one responsible for coordinating bid inputs from other departments. You are also responsible for reviewing and evaluating the performance of junior and senior estimators.
Cost estimators and estimating managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cost Estimator | Estimating Manager | |
| Average salary | $69,727 | $95,887 |
| Salary range | Between $47,000 And $102,000 | Between $61,000 And $149,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Pablo, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a cost estimator and an estimating manager in terms of educational background:
| Cost Estimator | Estimating Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo |
Here are the differences between cost estimators' and estimating managers' demographics:
| Cost Estimator | Estimating Manager | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7% | Male, 87.8% Female, 12.2% |
| 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, 2.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 4.4% White, 75.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |