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Project estimator vs electrical estimator

The differences between project 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 a project estimator and an electrical estimator. Additionally, an electrical estimator has an average salary of $70,612, which is higher than the $70,496 average annual salary of a project estimator.

The top three skills for a project estimator include project management, cost estimates and construction projects. The most important skills for an electrical estimator are project management, quantity take-offs, and electrical systems.

Project estimator vs electrical estimator overview

Project EstimatorElectrical Estimator
Yearly salary$70,496$70,612
Hourly rate$33.89$33.95
Growth rate-2%-2%
Number of jobs56,51336,760
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average age4747
Years of experience22

What does a project estimator do?

Project estimators are professionals who are responsible for calculating the total costs that are associated with a construction project or the development of a new product. These estimators are required to monitor project cost and quality construction development while conducting formal presentations to clients about data findings, material takeoff, and project costs. They are required to work with the project management team to develop project accounting and bill-of-materials process. Project estimators must also attend pre-bid meetings and site walk to determine the scope of work and finalize proposals for review by the client.

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.

Project estimator vs electrical estimator salary

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

Project EstimatorElectrical Estimator
Average salary$70,496$70,612
Salary rangeBetween $48,000 And $102,000Between $48,000 And $103,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MABoston, MA
Highest paying stateVermontMassachusetts
Best paying companyVarian Medical SystemsIntel
Best paying industryManufacturingEnergy

Differences between project estimator and electrical estimator education

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

Project EstimatorElectrical Estimator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Most common majorBusinessElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Project estimator vs electrical estimator demographics

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

Project EstimatorElectrical Estimator
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 86.4% Female, 13.6%Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9%
Race ratioBlack 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%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 project estimator and electrical estimator duties and responsibilities

Project estimator example responsibilities.

  • Estimate, sell and manage residential & commercial plumbing, heating and cooling systems.
  • Estimate costs of HVAC temperature control systems utilizing mechanical/electrical/plumbing engineering plans.
  • Obtain measurements, photos and documentation to process remotely Xactimate estimates to submit for insurance and customer approval.
  • Prepare proposals for hydroelectric retrofit and rehabilitation projects as well as various other domestic and international projects.

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

Project estimator vs electrical estimator skills

Common project estimator skills
  • Project Management, 10%
  • Cost Estimates, 8%
  • Construction Projects, 5%
  • Renewable Energy, 5%
  • HVAC, 4%
  • Project Scope, 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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