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The differences between electrical estimators and electrical engineers 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 engineer. Additionally, an electrical engineer has an average salary of $81,026, which is higher than the $70,612 average annual salary of an electrical estimator.
The top three skills for an electrical estimator include project management, quantity take-offs and electrical systems. The most important skills for an electrical engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Electrical Estimator | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $70,612 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $33.95 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | -2% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 36,760 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 47 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing new electrical systems, solving issues, and testing equipment. They work on various technologies, including telecommunication systems, satellite communications, and electrical power stations. Electrical engineers study and apply the mathematics and physics of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity to small and large-scale electrical systems to transmit energy and process information. They often work with all types of electronic devices, such as supercomputers and power transmission. They also work in the emerging field of microelectronics.
Electrical estimators and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electrical Estimator | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $70,612 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $48,000 And $103,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Washington |
| Best paying company | Intel | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Technology |
There are a few differences between an electrical estimator and an electrical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Electrical Estimator | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between electrical estimators' and electrical engineers' demographics:
| Electrical Estimator | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 47 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 11.1% Asian, 16.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 6% |