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The differences between estimator project managers 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 project manager and a cost estimator. Additionally, an estimator project manager has an average salary of $73,546, which is higher than the $69,727 average annual salary of a cost estimator.
The top three skills for an estimator project manager include general contractors, construction projects and sub contractors. The most important skills for a cost estimator are worksheets, risk analysis, and project management.
| Estimator Project Manager | Cost Estimator | |
| Yearly salary | $73,546 | $69,727 |
| Hourly rate | $35.36 | $33.52 |
| Growth rate | -2% | -2% |
| Number of jobs | 112,100 | 14,570 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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 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.
Estimator project managers and cost estimators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Estimator Project Manager | Cost Estimator | |
| Average salary | $73,546 | $69,727 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $102,000 | Between $47,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Intel | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an estimator project manager and a cost estimator in terms of educational background:
| Estimator Project Manager | Cost Estimator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | 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 estimator project managers' and cost estimators' demographics:
| Estimator Project Manager | Cost Estimator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6% | Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7% |
| 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, 2.3% 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% |