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The differences between estimators and modelers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a modeler has an average salary of $67,837, 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 modeler are python, revit, and BIM.
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.
The duties of a modeler depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. In the information technology setting, a modeler's responsibilities revolve around designing and developing databases to organize high-volume data, devise strategies to improve existing data systems, build organizational business models, and assist in optimizing networks. There are instances where they must liaise with clients to identify their needs and preferences, coordinate with other staff, monitor the progress of different procedures, and handle issues or concerns promptly and efficiently.
Estimators and modelers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Estimator | Modeler | |
| Average salary | $67,162 | $67,837 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $96,000 | Between $28,000 And $160,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Alaska |
| Best paying company | BlackRock | University of Illinois System |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an estimator and a modeler in terms of educational background:
| Estimator | Modeler | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Animation |
| Most common college | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | - |
Here are the differences between estimators' and modelers' demographics:
| Estimator | Modeler | |
| Average age | 47 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.1% Female, 17.9% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| 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, 14.4% Unknown, 7.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 6.9% White, 55.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 7% |