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The differences between project estimators and project engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a project estimator, becoming a project engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a project engineer has an average salary of $75,050, 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 a project engineer are project management, autocad, and construction management.
| Project Estimator | Project Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $70,496 | $75,050 |
| Hourly rate | $33.89 | $36.08 |
| Growth rate | -2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 56,513 | 176,689 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 47 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
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.
A Project Engineer develops the plan that the entire team or company will undertake. The project engineer develops the plans, strategies, and goals of a project and then gives it to the management for approval and allocation. The Project Engineer will also recommend material, equipment, and the type of personnel needed. This position is integral in the smooth flow of any project, so hiring someone to hold this position will decide the success of a project.
Project estimators and project engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Project Estimator | Project Engineer | |
| Average salary | $70,496 | $75,050 |
| Salary range | Between $48,000 And $102,000 | Between $55,000 And $100,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Washington |
| Best paying company | Varian Medical Systems | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a project estimator and a project engineer in terms of educational background:
| Project Estimator | Project Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Business | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between project estimators' and project engineers' demographics:
| Project Estimator | Project Engineer | |
| Average age | 47 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.4% Female, 13.6% | Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 14.5% White, 68.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 5% |