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Electrical estimator vs electrical foreman

The differences between electrical estimators and electrical foremen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an electrical estimator, becoming an electrical foreman takes usually requires More than 10 years. Additionally, an electrical estimator has an average salary of $70,612, which is higher than the $50,996 average annual salary of an electrical foreman.

The top three skills for an electrical estimator include project management, quantity take-offs and electrical systems. The most important skills for an electrical foreman are NEC, OSHA, and electrical systems.

Electrical estimator vs electrical foreman overview

Electrical EstimatorElectrical Foreman
Yearly salary$70,612$50,996
Hourly rate$33.95$24.52
Growth rate-2%-
Number of jobs36,76044,710
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 48%High School Diploma, 34%
Average age4746
Years of experience2-

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 foreman do?

An electrical foreman is an individual who is responsible for supervising power linesmen and electricians in the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical power lines or electrical systems. Electrical foremen conduct periodic inspections at a construction site to ensure that materials and supplies are available. They must enforce safety regulations, rules, and working conditions among the employees due to their hazardous work setting. They also supervise the operation of an electrical repair shop and train personnel in the safe operation of equipment and tools.

Electrical estimator vs electrical foreman salary

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

Electrical EstimatorElectrical Foreman
Average salary$70,612$50,996
Salary rangeBetween $48,000 And $103,000Between $36,000 And $71,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MASacramento, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsWashington
Best paying companyIntelCDM Smith
Best paying industryEnergyConstruction

Differences between electrical estimator and electrical foreman education

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

Electrical EstimatorElectrical Foreman
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 48%High School Diploma, 34%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo-

Electrical estimator vs electrical foreman demographics

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

Electrical EstimatorElectrical Foreman
Average age4746
Gender ratioMale, 91.1% Female, 8.9%Male, 97.1% Female, 2.9%
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, 5.5% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 22.7% Asian, 1.4% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage4%2%

Differences between electrical estimator and electrical foreman 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 foreman example responsibilities.

  • Manage and supervise day to day duties of a small crew for upgrades to the DCS and PLC infrastructure system.
  • Remove, analyze, identify issue install properly working pressure transducers, effectively accomplishing priorities to go underway.
  • Provide work orders for employees and order all electrical components by use of Maximo CMMS system.
  • Connect wiring to motor controls, switches, lighting fixtures, receptacles, circuit breakers, and fuses.
  • Work with computerize lighting and HVAC systems, require standby generator, access control systems, and closed-circuit surveillance equipment.
  • Pipe bending with EMT and rigid.
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Electrical estimator vs electrical foreman 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 foreman skills
  • NEC, 9%
  • OSHA, 8%
  • Electrical Systems, 6%
  • Work Ethic, 6%
  • Transformers, 5%
  • Renewable Energy, 4%

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