The construction project estimator collects and analyzes data to determine all necessary resources for construction projects. Their input is essential to a project. A construction project estimator can earn as much as $107k a year. A bachelor’s degree and specialty certifications help with higher income.
Construction Project Estimator Role
A construction project estimator plays a crucial role in any construction project. Their input can either make or break a project. Project estimators collect and analyze data to determine all necessary resources for projects. Such resources include the following:
- Time
- Money
- Construction materials
- Labor required to construct a building
This article highlights a construction project estimator’s responsibilities, salary, education, and experience.
Construction Project Estimator Responsibilities
Construction project estimators have a very complex job to fulfill. They may complete some or all the tasks listed below:
- Review plans, analyze blueprints, specifications and other documentation to prepare estimates and construction bids
- Use special formulas to calculate, record, and track estimates
- Create, send, and track proposals for opportunities. (Check out the Construction Proposal Elements article to find out what to include in your proposals.)
- Complete projects budgeting, scheduling and track them
- Prepare clear detailed quantity take offs on assigned projects
- Organize subcontractors quotations
- Negotiate to ensure quotes meet contract documents
- Issue proper documented sale orders
- Track progress for on-going work
- Identify potential risks for on-going work
- Requisition price change orders for on-going work
- Receive and reply to invitations to bid
- Request bids from subcontractors and review bid schedule
- Provide and maintain unit pricing and database for material and labor costing
- Maintain relationships with subcontractors and clients
- Meet with clients to discuss options for proposed services
- Ensure site personnel have proper documentation for projects
Construction Project Estimator Education and Experience
Education:
Employers in the construction industry don’t always ask for a bachelor’s degree. Yet, to get to a higher level pay grade as a construction project estimator, it’s recommended to earn a degree. As a construction project estimator, you can get a degree in construction management. There are different organizations that offer certifications for construction project estimators. There are three organizations that offer such certifications:
- American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE)
- The Association for the Advancement of Cost Estimating (AACE)
- International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA)
Experience:
Most employers will seek candidates who already have some experience in the field. Businesses provide on-the-job training to get new hires up to speed with their own standard procedures. This will give new hires the chance to learn organizational protocol for:
- Writing proposals
- Preparing estimates
- Dealing with bids
- Customer and client relationships
Project Estimator Salary
The average base salary for a construction estimator is $78,849 per year. Salaries range from $64,766 to $83,487. Currently, Minnesota, Arizona, Ohio, Washington, and Nevada are top payers for estimators. Project estimators can also earn bonus or profit sharing. The bonus can rage between $506 to $18,000 per year. Profit sharing can go from $49 to $12,000 per year. Salary and all other monetary incentives vary based on the location, project, skillset. Experience also plays a crucial role in the compensation factor. The more experienced the professional, the more income they earn.
