How To Become An Estimator: What It Is and Career Path

Q: Do you need a degree to be an estimator?

Yes, you need a degree to be an estimator. While some employers will hire candidates who only have a high school diploma and on-the-job experience, most employers prefer to hire estimators with a college degree.

Q: How long does it take to become an estimator?

It takes about five years to become an entry-level estimator. This position typically requires a four-year bachelor's degree and about one year of experience in construction to gain entry-level roles.

Q: How much do estimators get paid?

Estimators get paid $65,000 per year, as a median salary. The bottom 10% earn around $55,000 a year, while the 10% percent earn close to $100,000 on average per year. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on various key factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years spent in the profession. While some employers will hire estimators with only a high school diploma, having a college degree will ensure that an estimator will earn more money.

Q: Is estimator a good job?

Yes, being an estimator is a good job. Construction estimating is a well-paying job in the construction industry and a fairly secure job expected to grow. An estimator's job is to gather and analyze data to estimate the money, materials, labor, and time required for a project. Most estimators will work on construction sites and collaborate with contractors, architects, and clients.

Q: What is an estimator example?

An estimator is a general term for any professional estimator who works in the construction field, providing data estimating the money, materials, labor, and time required for a project. Most estimators will work on construction sites and collaborate with contractors, architects, and clients.

Q: What is the role of an estimator?

An estimator's role is to gather and analyze data to estimate the money, materials, labor, and time required for a project. Most estimators will work on construction sites and collaborate with contractors, architects, and clients.

Q: What schooling do you need to be an estimator?

The typical schooling for an estimator is a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. While some employers will hire candidates who only have a high school diploma and on-the-job experience, most employers prefer to hire estimators with a college degree.

What is an estimator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

An estimator uses their expertise to determine the cost and time requirements for completing a project. They analyze project specifications and determine the necessary resources, labor, and materials. Estimators consider industry standards and current market prices to provide accurate cost projections and project timelines. They work with project managers, architects, and engineers to complete projects on time and within budget. An estimator uses analytical and mathematical, and communication skills to drive success and project completion.

ScoreEstimatorUS Average

Salary

5.2

Avg. Salary $67,162

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

6.3

Growth Rate -2%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.23%

Asian 4.45%

Black or African American 2.24%

Hispanic or Latino 13.66%

Unknown 3.81%

White 75.60%

Gender

female 17.87%

male 82.13%

Age - 47

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47

Stress Level

6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.7

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

3.4

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an Estimator?

Pros

Good salary potential
Opportunities for advancement
Working with a team of professionals
Constant learning and development opportunities
High demand for skilled estimators

Cons

Long hours and frequent overtime
Working with difficult clients or stakeholders
Potential for conflict with other team members or departments
Lack of job security in some industries or companies
Limited creativity or flexibility within the estimation process

Key steps to become an estimator

Explore estimator education requirements

Most common estimator degrees

Bachelor's

55.3 %

Associate

23.5 %

High School Diploma

10.4 %

Start to develop specific estimator skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	16.91%
Cost Estimates	6.36%
Project Management	6.04%
Repair Process	4.47%
Work Ethic	4.33%

Complete relevant estimator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New estimators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an estimator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real estimator resumes.

Gain additional estimator certifications

Estimator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific estimator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for estimators include Certified Construction Manager (CCM) and Engineer In Training Certification (EIT).

More About Certifications

Research estimator duties and responsibilities

Achieve and maintain high CSI ratings measure by an independent consumer rating firm.
Manage prevailing wage for payroll and prepare and submit bi-weekly certify payroll reports.
Manage the estimating of a commercial & industrial plumbing and mechanical contracting business.
Facilitate all product installation and replacement of equipment; including scheduling electrical, plumbing, roofing, and crane operator subcontractors.

Prepare your estimator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your estimator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an estimator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Estimator Resume templates

Build a professional Estimator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Estimator resume.

Apply for estimator jobs

Now it's time to start searching for an estimator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do estimators rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Estimator reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020

Pros

I have not started working in this role yet so do not know

Cons

I have not started working in this role yet so I do not know

A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019

Pros

Always moving to different job location. Can make own hrs...

Cons

After hrs. Call's on weekends...

Estimator FAQs

What is an estimator and how to become one

What are the pros and cons of being an Estimator?

Estimator career paths

Key steps to become an estimator

Explore estimator education requirements

Most common estimator degrees

Start to develop specific estimator skills

Complete relevant estimator training and internships

Gain additional estimator certifications

Research estimator duties and responsibilities

Prepare your estimator resume

Choose From 10+ Customizable Estimator Resume templates

Apply for estimator jobs

How Did You Land Your First Estimator Job

Average estimator salary

How do estimators rate their job?

Estimator reviews

Estimator FAQs

Do you need a degree to be an estimator?

How long does it take to become an estimator?

How much do estimators get paid?

Is estimator a good job?

What is an estimator example?

What is the role of an estimator?

What schooling do you need to be an estimator?

Search for estimator jobs

Estimator jobs by state