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The differences between senior estimators 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 a senior estimator and a chief estimator. Additionally, a chief estimator has an average salary of $98,498, which is higher than the $73,381 average annual salary of a senior estimator.
The top three skills for a senior estimator include construction management, cost estimates and construction projects. The most important skills for a chief estimator are construction management, cost estimates, and project management.
| Senior Estimator | Chief Estimator | |
| Yearly salary | $73,381 | $98,498 |
| Hourly rate | $35.28 | $47.35 |
| Growth rate | -2% | -2% |
| Number of jobs | 11,627 | 24,116 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
In the construction industry, a senior estimator specializes in estimating the total cost, time, supplies and materials, equipment, and labor required to complete a construction project. To ensure accuracy, a senior estimator coordinates with the client, architect, and engineer to identify and understand project needs, participates in the planning and scheduling procedures, and prepares the necessary documentation. They are also in charge of conducting cost analyses, risk assessments, and selecting subcontractors and suppliers, coordinating with the construction managers and architects regularly.
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.
Senior estimators and chief estimators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Estimator | Chief Estimator | |
| Average salary | $73,381 | $98,498 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $107,000 | Between $67,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Concord, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Payscale |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Finance |
There are a few differences between a senior estimator and a chief estimator in terms of educational background:
| Senior Estimator | Chief Estimator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | 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 senior estimators' and chief estimators' demographics:
| Senior Estimator | Chief Estimator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 4.4% White, 75.7% 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% |