Estimator Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an estimator. Feel free to use our estimator job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an estimator.
Who is an Estimator?
An estimator is a person who calculates the cost of supplying products or other services to a client. When a supplier submits a bid to win a contract, the estimator is often involved. They must price the contract competitively, but also ensure that the work/products are provided at a reasonable profit to the supplier if they win the contract.
Estimators compile estimates by assessing the material, labor, and equipment required and analyzing quotes from sub-contractors or suppliers. An estimate can be based on the client’s bills of quantities, drawings, specifications, and schedules.
Estimators must be able to use a variety of information and have the ability to make cost estimates. Estimators work closely with planners, construction managers, and commercial teams.
Although there are not any requirements for becoming an estimator, it is possible to have experience working as an assistant, technician, administrator, or quantity surveyor. An apprenticeship or a scheme that trains estimators can be offered.
Many estimators can go on to become quantity surveyors or cost consultants.
Estimator Job Description
Below are the estimator job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an estimator job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of an estimator include the following:
- Analyzing offers to buy based on site requirements, additional costs, and costing changes.
- Analyzing and gathering information can resolve cost differences.
- Preparing and presenting reports and budgets.
- Preparing bids for construction projects.
- Collaborating closely with architects and other professionals.
- Meeting with clients, site managers, and staff.
- Learning how to navigate and understand building codes.
- Monitoring construction processes.
- Keeping abreast of safety codes and developments in construction.
- Tracking, measuring, and selecting important metrics
- Collecting complex analysis of data and metrics
- Making sure he has reliable and relevant forecasts
- Performing complex risk analysis activities
- Preparing and presenting reports to the upper management
- Analyzing and assessing offers
- Establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with key vendors
- Deciding on the best human and material resources to support each project.
- Getting multiple quotes and choose the best offer.
- Performing risk assessments to account for any deviations from the project plan.
- Accounting for the use of our resources and a reasonable profit margin to calculate an overall price
- Preparing proposals that include costs and time frames.
- Meeting with clients to discuss concerns and their thoughts about our offers.
Qualifications
To be an estimator, you must have the following qualifications:
Education
Employers will sometimes hire people with only a high school diploma, but most prefer to hire estimators who have a college degree. This job is best suited for those who have a degree in mathematics, construction science, management, or applied science. You might be more interested in a business-related degree and consider studying finance, economics, or accounting. This role requires strong numeracy skills.
Training
Each business is unique and will have its way of doing things. Employers will usually train employees for the role they are playing before allowing them to start working. Training on-the-job can be short-term or long-term. Internships with estimators are a great way for college students to gain real-world experience while working in this field. You will be able to build professional relationships and network with people who might be able to help you find a job once you graduate.
Employers prefer estimators with some experience so you’ll need to work in an entry-level job before applying for an estimator position. Internships, either paid or unpaid, may be available where you can do the necessary tasks under the guidance of an experienced estimator.
Certification
Although certification is not required for estimator positions, many employers prefer it. Some may even require it. These are the most popular certifications for estimators:
- Certified Professional Estimator
This certification program is offered by the American Society of Professional Estimators. It is for estimators who have five years or more of experience. This certification can verify your skills and knowledge, and increase your chances of advancement. Candidates must have five years of experience in the estimation field and excellent communication skills. Candidates must submit a technical paper of 2,500 words and pass the General Estimating Knowledge exam to be eligible for certification. Candidates must pass the Discipline Specific Test.
- Associate Estimating Professional
This certification is also offered by ASPE to those with less than five years of experience in estimating. Candidates must pass the GEK exam to earn this professional credential.
- Certified Estimating Professional (CEP)
The Association for the Advancement of Cost Estimating International offers this certification. CEP certifies that an estimator is competent in developing budgets and estimating resources. Candidates must have at least eight years of experience in the industry or four years experience with a degree that is industry-relevant.
- Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst
This certification is offered by the International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association. It verifies that an estimator has mastered cost estimation analysis. Candidates must have at least, a minimum of five years of experience, or a college degree in the field. They must pass both the ICEAA Exam and this exam to be eligible for this credential.
Essential Skills
- Attention to detail
Small changes to estimates can have a major impact on project costs, particularly if they are related to individual materials or labor costs. To avoid errors or oversights, estimators must pay close attention to details.
- Time management skills
Estimators must be able to prepare estimates on time, and often work to tight deadlines. They need to be able to manage their time and work efficiently.
- Technical skills
These skills include computer and numeracy skills that are required to perform the tasks associated with this role. To calculate the cost of a construction project, estimators need to be proficient in math. To use spreadsheets and other databases, they must also be proficient with computers.
- Blueprint reading skills
A candidate who can read blueprints greatly increases their chances of success as an estimator. Knowing how to read and interpret project specifications is a valuable skill. It is important to be able to see the fine details and calculate project costs. An estimator’s role is similar to that of a financial analyst who must understand a balance sheet. The construction documents give the estimator the necessary information to estimate the project. The first component is visualizing the plans. Next comes the interpretation of all information. The estimator can’t perform its duties without this information.
- Ability to see the big picture
Being able to see the structure before it is built will improve the accuracy of the estimate. The best estimator will review the scope and plan first, then get into the details. They can use their knowledge to make adjustments and provide an accurate estimate.
- Analytical
A good estimator should be more than a math and numbers whiz. They need to understand the project’s sequence, draw from experience and apply these lessons to future projects. The project will go through an estimation process. As the project progresses, the analyst estimator will start looking for cost savings in logistics, schedule, and assembly to ensure that the estimate is accurate.
- Persistence
Estimators who have this trait are persistent. They are not afraid to search for the right information to give the exact cost. They ensure that the estimate is completed on time, meet deadlines, and are successful, no matter how hard it may take.
- Multitasker
It is essential to manage multiple estimates to sustain growth. The best estimators can work on multiple projects at once. Although they may be focused on one project at a time, estimators can also take on additional projects or estimates. They must be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while still maintaining accuracy in the information relevant to the project.
- Teamwork
When estimating, estimators often work in a group. They usually work in a department. All of this requires teamwork. The best estimators are those who have a strong commitment and loyalty to their team.
Why is teamwork so important? Collaboration solves problems through teamwork. Brainstorming can be a great way to share ideas and find better ways to do things. Teams can work together to find the best solutions. Collaboration brings out new ideas. To be competitive, businesses need fresh ideas. Your unique perspective will be a benefit to the company. Companies thrive when there is a diverse group of people who can contribute their ideas.
Collaboration helps to create a system that ensures deadlines are met, and targeted goals are achieved. If one person is unable to complete the task, another can take over. It is easier to accomplish more work when the work is split up among team members. Teamwork improves morale. People feel valued when their efforts lead to results. When they have an idea that improves productivity, trust and confidence is built within the group. Everybody has something to offer. Working together creates a sense of belonging, deep commitment, and a strong sense for team members.
- Field experience
Having real, hands-on experience is key to becoming the best estimator. An internship or summer job can give an estimator a concrete understanding of the project’s structure, the time required, and areas that could cause estimation problems. Field experience is often more valuable than those who don’t.
- Confidence
Confidence is the last quality, but certainly not least, and it is often the most important attribute for estimators. While estimators are constantly under pressure to give accurate estimates of project costs, they also face multiple challenges.
What is confidence? What is confidence? It’s doing the research necessary to ensure that all the information and work has been done to your best. This confidence will allow you to defend your estimate and to listen with openness to other opinions or results.
Confidence is not arrogance. Arrogant people think they don’t need to grow or change. Arrogance, or inconsiderate and insensitive behavior, can lead to failure. Arrogance can destroy the essential relationships that estimators have with their team as well as all project stakeholders.
Why do you need to have confidence? You will be more assertive. You will be more taken seriously if your words and actions are backed up by conviction. With this, you’ll achieve more. Confidence will help you to be more productive and more engaged in challenging estimating assignments. Confidence allows you to communicate clearly and concisely. Your clients and colleagues will be able to understand the information you have. If you do your research and feel confident in your information, you will not be silenced.
How to Become an Estimator
- Get an education.
A bachelor’s degree is usually required for estimators. This could be in math, civil engineering, or construction science. Do a search in your area for available estimator positions and find out the required education. This level of education should be obtained. Focus on math classes if you’re still in high school. This role requires strong numeracy skills.
- Obtain experience.
Internships can provide valuable experience and professional exposure in this field. They work under the supervision of an estimator, which allows them to gain invaluable knowledge. This role requires experience so an internship or entry-level job is necessary.
- Get certified.
Although many professional certifications require four to five years of experience, AEP certification can be a great option for estimators just starting. You can pursue a more advanced certification if you have the experience. These certifications will validate your skills and knowledge, and help you to move up in your career faster.
- Make sure you update your resume.
Update your resume once you have completed the education, experience, and certifications required. Your highest education level and relevant work history should be included. You should highlight the transferable skills that you have acquired in other positions that are relevant to the job of an estimator. To grab the attention of the hiring manager scanning your resume, search for keywords in job descriptions.
- Apply for jobs
Do a local search for estimator jobs in your area and find the ones that interest you most, based on your education and experience. Send your updated resume along with a professionally written cover letter.
Where to Work
Although they are often employed as specialists trade contractors, estimators also work in civil engineering, construction, manufacturing, and automotive repair and maintenance. Although estimators might visit factories and visit construction sites as part of their job, they usually work in offices with these characteristics:
- Sitting for long periods at a computer desk
- Use computers, printers. fax machines and scanners.
- Communicating with the senior management and sales team in order to prepare estimates or bids
Estimator Salary Scale
Salary ranges depend on the experience and geographic location of the estimator. The average salary an Estimator earns in the U.S. is $67,257 annually.