Become An Estimator

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Working As An Estimator

Getting Information
Interacting With Computers
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
Analyzing Data or Information
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Mostly Sitting
$57,914
Average Salary

What Does An Estimator Do

An Estimator manages project costs through collecting and studying information. They mainly work in the private sector on maintenance or construction tenders.

How To Become An Estimator

A bachelor’s degree is generally required to become a cost estimator, although some highly experienced construction workers may qualify without a bachelor’s degree.

Education

Employers generally prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree. A strong background in mathematics is essential.

Construction cost estimators typically need a bachelor’s degree in an industry-related field, such as construction management, building science, or engineering.

Those interested in estimating manufacturing costs typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or finance.

Training

Some newly hired cost estimators may receive on-the-job training, depending on their experience. Training may include learning a company’s cost-estimating software and techniques.

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

Some employers prefer that construction cost estimators, particularly those without a bachelor’s degree, have previous work experience in the construction industry. For example, experienced electricians and plumbers can become construction cost estimators if they have the necessary construction knowledge and math skills.

Candidates interested in becoming cost estimators can also gain experience through internships and cooperative education programs.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Voluntary certification can show competence and experience in the field. In some instances, employers may require professional certification before hiring.

The following organizations offer a variety of certifications:

American Society of Professional Estimators
Association for the Advancement of Cost Estimating International
International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association

Estimators must generally have at least 2 years of estimating experience and must pass a written exam to become certified.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Cost estimators consider and evaluate different construction and manufacturing methods and options to determine the most cost-effective solution that meets the required specifications.

Detail oriented. Cost estimators must pay attention to details, as minor changes can significantly affect the overall cost of a project or product.

Math skills. Cost estimators calculate labor, material, and equipment cost estimates for construction projects. They use software, such as spreadsheets and databases, and they need excellent math skills to accurately calculate these estimates.

Time-management skills. Cost estimators often work on fixed deadlines, so they must plan their work in advance and work efficiently and accurately.

Writing skills. Cost estimators write comprehensive reports, which often help managers make production decisions.

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Estimator jobs

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Estimator Demographic

Gender

Male
79.6%
Female
18.8%
Unknown
1.7%

Ethnicity

White
80.3%
Hispanic or Latino
10.5%
Asian
6.9%
Unknown
1.7%
Black or African American
0.6%

Languages Spoken

Spanish
64.6%
French
7.7%
German
4.1%
Mandarin
2.8%
Chinese
2.4%
Carrier
2.0%
Italian
2.0%
Portuguese
2.0%
Cantonese
2.0%
Russian
1.6%
Japanese
1.6%
Arabic
1.6%
Filipino
1.2%
Polish
1.2%
Vietnamese
0.8%
Turkish
0.4%
Romanian
0.4%
Shona
0.4%
Gujarati
0.4%
Hindi
0.4%

Estimator

Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.

Estimator Typical Career Paths

Average Length of Employment

Top Careers Before Estimator

Top Careers After Estimator

Estimator Education

Schools

University of Phoenix
14.2%
Purdue University
7.2%
Auburn University
7.0%
Ferris State University
6.1%
Colorado State University
5.4%
Texas A&M University
5.2%
Pennsylvania State University
5.0%
University of Houston
4.7%
University of Wisconsin - Stout
4.3%
Iowa State University
4.3%
University of Florida
4.1%
Arizona State University
4.1%
University of Southern Mississippi
4.0%
University of Utah
3.6%
Liberty University
3.6%
Greenville Technical College
3.6%
East Carolina University
3.6%
Michigan State University
3.4%
Lamar University
3.2%
Northern Virginia Community College
3.2%

Majors

Degrees

Bachelors
40.9%
Other
29.3%
Associate
14.8%
Masters
7.9%
Certificate
4.7%
Diploma
1.4%
License
0.5%
Doctorate
0.5%

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Real Estimator Salaries

Job Title	Company	Location	Start Date	Salary
Estimator	Integral Contracting Inc.	New York, NY	Nov 21, 2016	$110,000
Estimator III	HNTB Corporation	Newark, NJ	May 18, 2015	$110,000
Estimator	WHC, LLC	Houston, TX	Jun 22, 2015	$110,000
Estimator III	Weston Solutions, Inc.	Columbia, MO	Sep 27, 2016	$108,003
Estimator	J.T. Magen & Company, Inc.	New York, NY	Sep 16, 2015	$105,000
Estimator	J.T. Magen & Company, Inc.	New York, NY	Sep 27, 2016	$105,000
Estimator	Technip USA, Inc.	Houston, TX	Oct 01, 2015	$105,000
Estimator	J.T. Magen & Company, Inc.	New York, NY	Jan 03, 2016	$100,000
Estimator	Crossland Mechanical Inc.	New York, NY	Sep 23, 2016	$100,000
Estimator	J.T. Magen and Company, Inc.	New York, NY	Apr 15, 2016	$100,000
Estimator	J.T. Magen & Company, Inc.	New York, NY	Sep 07, 2015	$100,000
Estimator	J.T. Magen & Company, Inc.	New York, NY	Dec 09, 2016	$100,000
Estimator	Crossland Mechanical Inc.	New York, NY	May 10, 2015	$100,000
BIM Estimator	Balfour Beatty Construction, LLC	San Diego, CA	Feb 09, 2016	$74,200
Estimator	Andres Construction Services LLC	Dallas, TX	Feb 22, 2016	$74,000
VDC Estimator	Clayco, Inc.	Chicago, IL	Oct 28, 2016	$73,000
Estimator	MPS South Plainfield, LLC	New York, NY	Jun 12, 2016	$71,457
Estimator	J.T. Magen & Company, Inc.	New York, NY	May 16, 2016	$70,000
Estimator	J.T. Magen & Company, Inc.	New York, NY	Apr 19, 2016	$70,000
Estimator	J.T. Magen & Company, Inc.	New York, NY	Mar 16, 2016	$70,000
Estimator	J.T. Magen & Company, Inc.	New York, NY	Feb 06, 2015	$70,000
Concrete Estimator	The Lane Construction Company	La Plata, MD	Oct 18, 2016	$59,738 - $65,998
Estimator	Rogers-O'Brien Construction Company, Ltd.	Austin, TX	Aug 26, 2016	$58,510 - $65,000
Estimator	Zachry Construction Corporation	San Antonio, TX	Jun 08, 2016	$58,000
Estimator	Zachry Construction Corporation	San Antonio, TX	Mar 08, 2016	$58,000
Estimator	Cadence McShane Construction Company LLC	Austin, TX	Feb 22, 2015	$57,054 - $75,000
Estimator	Beachside Roofing, LLC	Kapolei, HI	Jun 19, 2015	$56,000

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Top Skills for An Estimator

Top Estimator Skills

General Contractors
Bid Proposals
Scope

You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:

Project Coordination of contracts with General Contractors until completion.
Prepared tile & granite estimates and bid proposals for commercial construction
Develop scope-of-work and assist in creation of construction proposal.
Reviewed all the estimates for new clients from the sales department.
Created a new upfront billing system to utilize with the insurance companies, with minimal direction from the owner in 2011.