Estimator
Quick Facts
Median Salary$76,271
Most Common EducationBachelor's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+15.14%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
An Estimator provides cost estimates for a project, based on an evaluation of the materials, labor, time and equipment needed to complete the project. May specialize in many aspects of construction or in manufacturing and design industries.
Core Tasks:
- Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
- Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
- Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
- Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
- Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
- Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
- Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
- Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.
- Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
- Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.
- Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project.
- Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to reduce cost.
- Visit site and record information about access, drainage and topography, and availability of utility services.
- Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.
What to expect as an Estimator
1Earn a Bachelor's degree
41% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Estimator related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
9071 openings for Estimators
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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