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The differences between estimators and cost estimators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an estimator and a cost estimator. Additionally, a cost estimator has an average salary of $69,727, which is higher than the $67,162 average annual salary of an estimator.
The top three skills for an estimator include customer service, cost estimates and project management. The most important skills for a cost estimator are worksheets, risk analysis, and project management.
| Estimator | Cost Estimator | |
| Yearly salary | $67,162 | $69,727 |
| Hourly rate | $32.29 | $33.52 |
| Growth rate | -2% | -2% |
| Number of jobs | 12,567 | 14,570 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
A cost estimator is responsible for conducting data and statistical analysis and cost forecasting to determine the duration, budget limitations, and required resources for project construction and development. Cost estimators identify possible cost-reduction techniques by researching the market and negotiating with suppliers and vendors with high-quality deliverables. They also review project plans and blueprints to provide accurate estimation reports for reference. A cost estimator must have excellent communication and analytical skills, documenting every progress, and adjust estimation plans as needed.
Estimators and cost estimators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Estimator | Cost Estimator | |
| Average salary | $67,162 | $69,727 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $96,000 | Between $47,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Vermont |
| Best paying company | BlackRock | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an estimator and a cost estimator in terms of educational background:
| Estimator | Cost Estimator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo |
Here are the differences between estimators' and cost estimators' demographics:
| Estimator | Cost Estimator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.1% Female, 17.9% | Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7% |
| 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, 2.3% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 4.5% White, 75.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |