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The differences between senior estimators 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 a senior estimator and a cost estimator. Additionally, a senior estimator has an average salary of $73,381, which is higher than the $69,727 average annual salary of a cost estimator.
The top three skills for a senior estimator include construction management, cost estimates and construction projects. The most important skills for a cost estimator are worksheets, risk analysis, and project management.
| Senior Estimator | Cost Estimator | |
| Yearly salary | $73,381 | $69,727 |
| Hourly rate | $35.28 | $33.52 |
| Growth rate | -2% | -2% |
| Number of jobs | 11,627 | 14,570 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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 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.
Senior estimators and cost estimators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Estimator | Cost Estimator | |
| Average salary | $73,381 | $69,727 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $107,000 | Between $47,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a senior estimator and a cost estimator in terms of educational background:
| Senior Estimator | Cost Estimator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | 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 senior estimators' and cost estimators' demographics:
| Senior Estimator | Cost Estimator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7% |
| 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, 2.3% 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% |