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Project management engineer vs estimator project manager

The differences between project management engineers and estimator project managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a project management engineer, becoming an estimator project manager takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a project management engineer has an average salary of $80,337, which is higher than the $73,546 average annual salary of an estimator project manager.

The top three skills for a project management engineer include project management, management system and HVAC. The most important skills for an estimator project manager are general contractors, construction projects, and sub contractors.

Project management engineer vs estimator project manager overview

Project Management EngineerEstimator Project Manager
Yearly salary$80,337$73,546
Hourly rate$38.62$35.36
Growth rate10%-2%
Number of jobs145,104112,100
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4247
Years of experience42

What does a project management engineer do?

A project management engineer oversees technical and engineering projects, ensuring operations adhere to standards and guidelines. They design and develop solutions to optimize the daily project operations, conduct regular assessments and inspections, create administrative plans, set objectives, establish timelines, and supervise the performance of the workforce, providing support as needed. Moreover, as a project management engineer, it is essential to lead and encourage staff to reach goals, all while implementing safety policies and regulations for a safe and efficient workflow.

What does an estimator project manager do?

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.

Project management engineer vs estimator project manager salary

Project management engineers and estimator project managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Project Management EngineerEstimator Project Manager
Average salary$80,337$73,546
Salary rangeBetween $55,000 And $116,000Between $52,000 And $102,000
Highest paying CityBelmont, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaMassachusetts
Best paying companyPayPalIntel
Best paying industryTechnologyEnergy

Differences between project management engineer and estimator project manager education

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

Project Management EngineerEstimator Project Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorMechanical EngineeringBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Project management engineer vs estimator project manager demographics

Here are the differences between project management engineers' and estimator project managers' demographics:

Project Management EngineerEstimator Project Manager
Average age4247
Gender ratioMale, 81.4% Female, 18.6%Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 12.4% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%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%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between project management engineer and estimator project manager duties and responsibilities

Project management engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage Linux/Apache server configuration for company version control and bug tracking, creating PHP/MySQL database on server for product specification library.
  • Coordinate HVAC sales, build, delivery, installation, and start up with contractors.
  • Create various drawings for new and existing floor plans, equipment layout, HVAC, electrical layout.
  • Develop, organize and execute SDLC projects to improve safety, quality and/or productivity throughout several processes in a warehouse environment.
  • Excel in highly organize enterprise project management office leading projects using SDLC and standardize project management methodologies, processes and tools.

Estimator project manager example responsibilities.

  • Estimate, sell and manage residential & commercial plumbing, heating and cooling systems.
  • Prepare RFP's, manage the distribution of, and review and analyze proposals from suppliers and vendors daily.
  • Supervise employees to achieve maximum quality control and customer satisfaction.Employee HR management, inventory control, payroll and expense management.
  • Assist other project managers and design cad drafter with projects.
  • Utilize HCSS and AGTEK software to track and provide estimates.
  • Create quotation letters & develop AutoCAD drawings to describe scope of work to customer.
  • Show more

Project management engineer vs estimator project manager skills

Common project management engineer skills
  • Project Management, 22%
  • Management System, 4%
  • HVAC, 4%
  • Capital Projects, 4%
  • Infrastructure, 3%
  • Provide Engineering Support, 3%
Common estimator project manager skills
  • General Contractors, 17%
  • Construction Projects, 8%
  • Sub Contractors, 6%
  • Construction Management, 6%
  • Project Scope, 5%
  • Cost Estimates, 3%

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