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Are you wondering what an estimator does?
The first step in a construction project is to create a plan to figure out how much it will cost. An estimator's job is to create the plan. The plan is called an estimate.
What is included in the estimate?
All materials required to complete the project.
Labor: the workers and supervisors needed.
The time it will take to complete the project.
The total cost of the materials, labor, and time for the project.
Quiz
How will the estimator decide what materials to include? Select all that apply:
All of these are important ways to make sure that every material is included.
Did you know?
The estimate includes every little detail of the project! Think about paint, for example. The estimator must include the paint color, how much paint is needed, and where the paint will go!
What does a typical day look like for an estimator?
As an estimator, your job will look different depending on the type of company you work for.
Most estimators can expect to:
Use measurements and blueprints to decide how much material is needed.
Ask questions of coworkers or clients to figure out what the final project should be like.
Visit worksites to gather information about the project.
Use computer programs to write the estimate or build diagrams of the work that needs to be done.
Negotiate with other companies to get the best price for materials and labor.
What type of education would I need?
A college degree will give you the skills for success as an estimator.
Consider the following majors:
Mathematics
Construction science
Business
Finance
Engineering
Another option is to work in the construction or manufacturing industries. This will also help you gain hands-on experience and understand how to complete a project so that you can write a complete estimate without missing any details!
Quiz
Now that you've learned more about what an estimator does, what skills do you think would be important for estimators?
All of these skills are important for estimators to work with clients and coworkers, stay within budget, keep projects in order, and make sure that nothing is overlooked!
What can I expect to earn?
An estimator can make from $52,000 - $131,000 in the United States. The average salary is around $83,000 USD.
The average expected salary is about $70,000 in Canada, with a range from $53,000 - $98,000 CAD.
What affects your salary?
How much experience you have
The certifications you've earned
The industry you work in
Take Action
Take these steps to help you prepare for a career as an estimator.
This Byte has been authored by
Erin Archer
Instructional Designer