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Estimator vs estimating assistant

The differences between estimators and estimating assistants 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 estimating assistant. Additionally, an estimator has an average salary of $67,162, which is higher than the $47,542 average annual salary of an estimating assistant.

The top three skills for an estimator include customer service, cost estimates and project management. The most important skills for an estimating assistant are cost estimates, bid proposals, and purchase orders.

Estimator vs estimating assistant overview

EstimatorEstimating Assistant
Yearly salary$67,162$47,542
Hourly rate$32.29$22.86
Growth rate-2%-2%
Number of jobs12,56718,548
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4747
Years of experience22

Estimator vs estimating assistant salary

Estimators and estimating assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

EstimatorEstimating Assistant
Average salary$67,162$47,542
Salary rangeBetween $46,000 And $96,000Between $34,000 And $65,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCAnchorage, AK
Highest paying stateVermontVermont
Best paying companyBlackRockGranite Construction
Best paying industryManufacturingTechnology

Differences between estimator and estimating assistant education

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

EstimatorEstimating Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Estimator vs estimating assistant demographics

Here are the differences between estimators' and estimating assistants' demographics:

EstimatorEstimating Assistant
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 82.1% Female, 17.9%Male, 34.4% Female, 65.6%
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, 13.5% Asian, 4.4% White, 75.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between estimator and estimating assistant 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.
    • Show more

Estimating assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage the estimating of a commercial & industrial plumbing and mechanical contracting business.
  • Perform equipment and material takeoff of HVAC blueprint drawings.
  • Perform typing of letters, RFI's, filing, and certify payroll.
  • Receive phone calls or email from potential clients who have a RFP (request for proposal).
  • Prepare all invitations to bids, addendum and RFI's notifications, confirm subcontractors bidding interest and pricing.
  • Perform civil takeoffs, produce estimates, and create high level schedules that are submitted to clients in response to RFP.
    • Show more

Estimator vs estimating assistant skills

Common estimator skills
  • Customer Service, 17%
  • Cost Estimates, 6%
  • Project Management, 6%
  • Repair Process, 4%
  • Work Ethic, 4%
  • Construction Projects, 4%
Common estimating assistant skills
  • Cost Estimates, 20%
  • Bid Proposals, 10%
  • Purchase Orders, 7%
  • Worksheets, 7%
  • Subcontractor Database, 6%
  • Sub Contractors, 5%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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