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Electrical estimator vs electrical designer

The differences between electrical estimators and electrical designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an electrical estimator and an electrical designer. Additionally, an electrical estimator has an average salary of $70,612, which is higher than the $64,930 average annual salary of an electrical designer.

The top three skills for an electrical estimator include project management, quantity take-offs and electrical systems. The most important skills for an electrical designer are revit, electrical design, and autocad electrical.

Electrical estimator vs electrical designer overview

Electrical EstimatorElectrical Designer
Yearly salary$70,612$64,930
Hourly rate$33.95$31.22
Growth rate-2%3%
Number of jobs36,76082,332
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 48%Associate Degree, 47%
Average age4745
Years of experience22

What does an electrical estimator do?

Electrical estimators are electrical system professionals who are responsible for creating the approximate cost of various electrical installations for both industrial and residential projects. These estimators must analyze blueprints to determine wire lengths as well as the amount and cost of all materials and fixtures needed for their electrical projects. They are required to improve cost-estimating procedures so that they can reduce inconsistencies between the estimated and actual project costs. Electrical estimators must also participate in project biddings by completing and submitting their proposals by following established guidelines.

What does an electrical designer do?

An electrical designer designs and develops electrical circuit and system layouts for electric power distribution. The responsibilities of an electrical designer include assembling electrical panels and leading a team of document control personnel in-charged to identify and organize facility maintenance drawings. The position requires good initiative, writing, speaking, and mathematical skills to accomplish such responsibilities. The job's education requirements include possessing a college degree in electrical engineering, design, or a related field.

Electrical estimator vs electrical designer salary

Electrical estimators and electrical designers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Electrical EstimatorElectrical Designer
Average salary$70,612$64,930
Salary rangeBetween $48,000 And $103,000Between $47,000 And $89,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsCalifornia
Best paying companyIntelAmd
Best paying industryEnergyManufacturing

Differences between electrical estimator and electrical designer education

There are a few differences between an electrical estimator and an electrical designer in terms of educational background:

Electrical EstimatorElectrical Designer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 48%Associate Degree, 47%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoMichigan Technological University

Electrical estimator vs electrical designer demographics

Here are the differences between electrical estimators' and electrical designers' demographics:

Electrical EstimatorElectrical Designer
Average age4745
Gender ratioMale, 91.1% Female, 8.9%Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 2.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 4.4% White, 75.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 14.4% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage4%6%

Differences between electrical estimator and electrical designer duties and responsibilities

Electrical estimator example responsibilities.

  • Manage prevailing wage for payroll and prepare and submit bi-weekly certify payroll reports.
  • Design power, lighting, and HVAC plans.
  • Slash cost of installation and operations by implementing various MEP systems.
  • Collaborate with MEP engineering firm to prepare design-build budgets and estimates for potential clients.
  • Design and estimating duties include HVAC, refrigeration, interior and exterior lighting & power distribution.
  • Utilize AutoCAD for electrical drafting, riser diagrams, wiring diagrams, and single line diagrams.
  • Show more

Electrical designer example responsibilities.

  • Manage database for PDF drawings and other electronic files.
  • Design control systems to NFPA, UL, and CE specifications to comply with country-specific standards.
  • Work conduct using PDMS, NavisWorks and AutoCAD.
  • Used INTOOLS to input instrument tags into index, customize reports & import data from PDMS into INTOOLS.
  • Integrate electrical & electronic designs into custom automation equipment using 2D & 3D design software (AutoCAD & SolidWorks).
  • Convert various units to DCS for ExxonMobil.
  • Show more

Electrical estimator vs electrical designer skills

Common electrical estimator skills
  • Project Management, 8%
  • Quantity Take-Offs, 5%
  • Electrical Systems, 5%
  • Value Engineering, 5%
  • Electrical Projects, 4%
  • Cost Control, 4%
Common electrical designer skills
  • Revit, 14%
  • Electrical Design, 11%
  • Autocad Electrical, 5%
  • UL, 5%
  • Electrical Systems, 5%
  • Electrical Schematics, 4%

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