How To Become A Designer/Estimator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a designer/estimator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted expert

Abby Guido

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a designer/estimator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $24.63 an hour? That's $51,223 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -2% and produce -4,400 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a designer/estimator?

Abby Guido

Assistant Professor, Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University

We've all heard the buzz about networking, and there is so much buzz because it works. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is both up to date and active. Connect with all of your past professors, classmates, and anyone and everyone you meet in a professional setting. I often tell students to get into the habit of searching for any classroom guests, or guest lecturers, to connect, thank them for their time, and build their network. Share content. Write articles, or reshare those you find interesting.

Every job I have ever received in my career has been through someone else I know. I share this with students to help them see the value in relationships. I always remember the students that took the time to write a handwritten thank-you note. And I think of them when I get an email asking if I know any students are looking for work.

ScoreDesigner/EstimatorUS Average

Salary

4.0

Avg. Salary $51,223

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.3

Growth rate -2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.23%

Asian 4.46%

Black or African American 2.24%

Hispanic or Latino 13.72%

Unknown 3.81%

White 75.53%

Gender

female 18.72%

male 81.28%

Age - 47

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47

Stress level

6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a designer/estimator

Explore designer/estimator education requirements

Most common designer/estimator degrees

Bachelor's

45.4 %

Associate

39.8 %

High School Diploma

5.6 %

Start to develop specific designer/estimator skills

Skills	Percentages
Shop Drawings	17.30%
Auto CAD	16.83%
Cost Estimates	13.08%
HVAC	6.20%
General Contractors	5.59%

Complete relevant designer/estimator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New designer/estimators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a designer/estimator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real designer/estimator resumes.

Research designer/estimator duties and responsibilities

Manage the estimating of a commercial & industrial plumbing and mechanical contracting business.
Obtain measurements, photos and documentation to process remotely Xactimate estimates to submit for insurance and customer approval.
Prepare proposals for hydroelectric retrofit and rehabilitation projects as well as various other domestic and international projects.

Prepare your designer/estimator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your designer/estimator resume.

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