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Estimator vs electrical estimator

The differences between estimators and electrical 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 an electrical estimator. Additionally, an electrical estimator has an average salary of $70,612, 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 an electrical estimator are project management, quantity take-offs, and electrical systems.

Estimator vs electrical estimator overview

EstimatorElectrical Estimator
Yearly salary$67,162$70,612
Hourly rate$32.29$33.95
Growth rate-2%-2%
Number of jobs12,56736,760
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average age4747
Years of experience22

What does an estimator do?

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.

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.

Estimator vs electrical estimator salary

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

EstimatorElectrical Estimator
Average salary$67,162$70,612
Salary rangeBetween $46,000 And $96,000Between $48,000 And $103,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCBoston, MA
Highest paying stateVermontMassachusetts
Best paying companyBlackRockIntel
Best paying industryManufacturingEnergy

Differences between estimator and electrical estimator education

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

EstimatorElectrical Estimator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Most common majorBusinessElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Estimator vs electrical estimator demographics

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

EstimatorElectrical Estimator
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 82.1% Female, 17.9%Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9%
Race ratioBlack 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, 2.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 4.4% White, 75.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between estimator and electrical estimator duties and responsibilities

Estimator example responsibilities.

  • Achieve and maintain high CSI ratings measure by an independent consumer rating firm.
  • Manage prevailing wage for payroll and prepare and submit bi-weekly certify payroll reports.
  • Manage the estimating of a commercial & industrial plumbing and mechanical contracting business.
  • Facilitate all product installation and replacement of equipment; including scheduling electrical, plumbing, roofing, and crane operator subcontractors.
  • Review and modify drawings in AutoCad.
  • Coordinate with MEP consultants during the project.
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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

Estimator vs electrical estimator skills

Common estimator skills
  • Customer Service, 17%
  • Cost Estimates, 6%
  • Project Management, 6%
  • Repair Process, 4%
  • Work Ethic, 4%
  • Construction Projects, 4%
Common electrical estimator skills
  • Project Management, 8%
  • Quantity Take-Offs, 5%
  • Electrical Systems, 5%
  • Value Engineering, 5%
  • Electrical Projects, 4%
  • Cost Control, 4%

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