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The differences between estimators and appraisers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an estimator, becoming an appraiser takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an estimator has an average salary of $67,162, which is higher than the $42,223 average annual salary of an appraiser.
The top three skills for an estimator include customer service, cost estimates and project management. The most important skills for an appraiser are commercial property, appraisal reports, and customer service.
| Estimator | Appraiser | |
| Yearly salary | $67,162 | $42,223 |
| Hourly rate | $32.29 | $20.30 |
| Growth rate | -2% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 12,567 | 1,186 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 47 | 49 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
Estimators work in construction and manufacturing businesses to estimate the operational costs of the company. It is the responsibility of the estimators to compile the estimates of the products and services. They prepare work for estimation through blueprints, specifications, proposals, and its associated documents. It is also expected from them to find their potential clients' needs and wants, research equipment and materials, and calculate labor costs. The organization, time management, and effective communication are the skills expected from a good estimator.
An appraiser is someone who assesses the monetary value of a property such as an automobile, real property, and personal claim. His/Her or her responsibilities include resolving disparities between a property's monetary values and preparing narrative reports for projects. The essential skills that an appraiser should possess to accomplish such responsibilities include a keen eye for details, strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure. The education requirements for the job vary depending on the area of focus.
Estimators and appraisers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Estimator | Appraiser | |
| Average salary | $67,162 | $42,223 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $96,000 | Between $29,000 And $59,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | California |
| Best paying company | BlackRock | City National Bank |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Insurance |
There are a few differences between an estimator and an appraiser in terms of educational background:
| Estimator | Appraiser | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between estimators' and appraisers' demographics:
| Estimator | Appraiser | |
| Average age | 47 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.1% Female, 17.9% | Male, 67.8% Female, 32.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.7% Asian, 4.5% White, 75.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 6.8% Asian, 2.9% White, 81.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 8% |