How To Become An Engineer/Estimator: What It Is and Career Path

What is an engineer/estimator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Engineers/estimators are responsible for estimating the costs of a planned construction project. They perform the estimation in terms of the labour, equipment, and materials required. In a bid to estimate the costs, they analyze plans, bills of quantities and other project documentation while researching, sourcing, negotiating, and obtaining the best prices and quotes from suppliers and subcontractors. Engineers/estimators earn an average salary of $73,000 annually or $35 per hour.

Engineers/estimators draw up assessments of how much it will cost to provide clients, or potential clients, with products or services. They consider all pertinent information about each building project and decide how much it would cost to meet the client's needs. They also obtain quotes for all predicted requirements from sub-contractors and suppliers while reading blueprints and taking measurements.

Engineers/estimators typically hold a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction management, business, or other related fields. They are expected to have some years of experience as an estimator or in a similar role. Some employers prefer candidates with a keen eye for detail and excellent analytical and communication skills.

ScoreEngineer/EstimatorUS Average

Salary

5.7

Avg. Salary $73,392

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 4.42%

Black or African American 2.23%

Hispanic or Latino 13.54%

Unknown 3.81%

White 75.77%

Gender

female 14.97%

male 85.03%

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 an engineer/estimator

Explore engineer/estimator education requirements

Most common engineer/estimator degrees

Bachelor's

69.8 %

Associate

16.8 %

Master's

8.8 %

Start to develop specific engineer/estimator skills

Skills	Percentages
Cost Estimates	9.76%
Project Management	8.92%
Sketch	8.10%
Quantity Take-Offs	7.40%
Construction Drawings	5.93%

Complete relevant engineer/estimator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New engineers/estimator 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 an engineer/estimator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real engineer/estimator resumes.

Research engineer/estimator duties and responsibilities

Manage the estimating of a commercial & industrial plumbing and mechanical contracting business.
Establish sustained relationships with international customers and domestic suppliers of HVAC equipment.
Participate in a team environment engineering and estimating commercial, residential and industrial HVAC projects for new and existing buildings.
Prepare proposals for hydroelectric retrofit and rehabilitation projects as well as various other domestic and international projects.

Prepare your engineer/estimator resume

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

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