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The differences between estimator project managers and chief 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 project manager and a chief estimator. Additionally, a chief estimator has an average salary of $98,498, which is higher than the $73,546 average annual salary of an estimator project manager.
The top three skills for an estimator project manager include general contractors, construction projects and sub contractors. The most important skills for a chief estimator are construction management, cost estimates, and project management.
| Estimator Project Manager | Chief Estimator | |
| Yearly salary | $73,546 | $98,498 |
| Hourly rate | $35.36 | $47.35 |
| Growth rate | -2% | -2% |
| Number of jobs | 112,100 | 24,116 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
An estimator project manager is responsible for analyzing cost estimates by gathering cost information from suppliers and other third-party vendors. An estimator project manager must have excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills, especially with measurement accuracy and evaluating important project metrics. Estimator project managers research the general market pricing of materials and labor costs, estimate production times, and follow the project timetable without compromising the quality and the client's specifications. They create estimate reports and risk analyses to discuss with the client and the project team.
A Chief Estimator is responsible for managing and directing the organization's estimating functions. They also develop and implement the standards and procedures of a department.
Estimator project managers and chief estimators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Estimator Project Manager | Chief Estimator | |
| Average salary | $73,546 | $98,498 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $102,000 | Between $67,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Concord, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Intel | Payscale |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Finance |
There are a few differences between an estimator project manager and a chief estimator in terms of educational background:
| Estimator Project Manager | Chief Estimator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| 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 estimator project managers' and chief estimators' demographics:
| Estimator Project Manager | Chief Estimator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6% | Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.4% Asian, 4.4% White, 75.9% 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 Percentage | 4% | 4% |