Estimator Jobs Overview
As an estimator, you're responsible for creating cost estimates for projects. You'll do so by analyzing information from proposals, specifications, and more to determine what a team will need in terms of labor, supplies, and time. Because estimator jobs require frequent interactions with various tradespeople, communication skills are key.
A bachelor's degree is normally a requirement for cost estimator positions. However, those with extensive experience in the construction business often gain entry into the field without a degree. Estimators typically put in around 40 hours a week in an office, but some also travel to building sites and manufacturing facilities to gather data.
The exact duties that you'll perform as an estimator will depend on the industry you work in. Estimator jobs are necessary in a range of fields, from electricity and plumbing to painting and automotive. Standard work responsibilities include:
- Create expense reports that break down the cost of a project.
- Inform senior management of your budget projections.
- Provide bids in response to requests.
- Get the lowest possible bids and estimates from vendors and subcontractors.
- Manage the bidding process by coordinating with and monitoring suppliers and subcontractors.
- Define the project's steps and outline them for the client.
Estimator: Salary Range
Expect to earn a salary that's commensurate with both the scope and depth of your responsibilities as a cost estimator. Salaries for estimators fall in the range of $41,616 to $92,331 per year. This occupation has a median yearly salary of $63,553.
You can make more than the national median for this profession in cities that have a high demand for estimators. The top cities include Houston, Phoenix, New York City, Los Angeles, and Denver, where the average estimator annual salaries range from $64,202 to $80,577.
Curious about the going rate for estimator jobs in your region and elsewhere in the country? Find out how much you can make in this line of work by using Monster's Salary Calculator.
Finding the Best Estimator Jobs for You
To find satisfying work as an estimator, consider narrowing your focus to the field that's right for you. If you like working on cars, for example, becoming an auto body estimator is a great career goal to set.
Not sure if a certain position fits your goals for the future? Ask yourself the following as you read estimator job descriptions:
- Will this position allow me to hone my estimating skills and learn new technologies?
- What tools does the employer provide to help cut costs and time on projects?
- What safety processes does the employer have in place, and how much will I need to alter projects to ensure compliance with industry standards?
- Can I successfully fulfill project requirements according to their deadlines?
- Is there potential for growth in this role?
Application Advice for Estimator Jobs
Some employers provide estimators with on-the-job training. For positions that don't offer this training, your application should demonstrate the following to help land an interview:
- at least a few years of prior experience in the field
- superior abilities in mathematics and analysis
- strong interpersonal, critical thinking skills and adaptability
Application Preparation
The first step in applying for a job as an estimator is to make sure your application has all the information the employer is looking for. To do this, check the job listing for its requirements.
If the listing asks for references, be sure to include professional colleagues who can attest to your reliability as a professional estimator. You can also include any transferable skills and abilities that make you an attractive candidate for estimator jobs, such as:
- numeracy
- negotiation
- commercial awareness
- communication
- attention to detail
- relationship-building
- methodical approach
- time management
- analytical ability
Write an Impressive Resume
Next, choose a style for your resume. Use a chronological or combined approach for your resume if you have extensive experience as an estimator.
In a chronological resume, you begin with your most recent employment and work your way backward through time. With a combined resume format, you can show off your skills and knowledge while also emphasizing your lengthy employment history.
Many entry-level estimator jobs do not require a long work history, which is ideal for those who are proficient in math and analysis but have little industry experience. If this describes you, it's best to use a functional resume format. This resume type emphasizes your abilities and accomplishments, such as a degree in business finance, rather than your employment history.
Another smart trick you can use to create an impressive resume for estimator jobs is to include resume keywords. Using these terms also makes it easier for recruiters to discover your application when using applicant tracking systems (APS). Some of the best estimator keywords to use are:
- project estimation
- construction management
- contract management
- AutoCAD
- contractors
- drawings and blueprints
- quantity surveying
- value engineering
- project planning
- pre-construction
- subcontracting
Want help creating a resume that highlights your proficiency in subcontracting, using AutoCAD, and thorough, accurate quantity surveys? To get the job you want, use the Monster Professional Resume Writing Service.
Create an Eye-Catching Cover Letter
Always tailor your cover letter to the industry you want to work in. For example, when applying for an estimator job in the construction industry, use relevant terms, such as building supplies, quantity surveys, concrete work, civil engineering, and blueprint interpretation.
Here are a few actionable tips you can use to create an eye-catching cover letter for estimator jobs:
- Include a professional salutation to greet the reader.
- Start the body of the cover letter by explaining your objective, such as becoming a cost estimator in the roofing industry.
- Highlight your primary experience, such as project bidding, value engineering, or cost management, and your years of service in a job when describing your work history.
- Describe the results you achieved for your previous employers, such as reducing project costs and increasing project completion rates.
- Talk about what you did to raise the bar for efficiency and production for your prior employer.
- Express the value that you delivered to your prior workplace using hard data like statistics and percentages.
- Conclude with a call to action inviting the recruiter to get in touch with you for follow-up inquiries or to schedule an interview.
Submit Your Application
Sign up for a free Monster membership now to access a nationwide database of active postings for estimator jobs. Use the job search feature, and apply for open estimator positions in your local and surrounding areas.
Upload your cover letter and resume, and hit the "Submit" button so that employers can see your qualifications. Turn on custom alerts to automatically get job recommendations that match your interests.
Application Follow-Up Methods
Check the job posting for information regarding the recruiting procedure. Some job postings may include a time frame for follow-ups, such as three weeks after submitting an application.
Follow-Up Tips
When a job ad doesn't mention recruiting details, sending a follow-up email approximately a week after applying will show the hiring manager that you're enthusiastic about the position. A follow-up email also serves as a gentle reminder of your skills and experience.
If possible, do some research to find out if you or someone you know is acquainted with someone who works at the company. Knowing a current employee may help you connect with the appropriate individuals and offer you an advantage in the hiring process.
Estimator Job Interview Advice
As you prepare for estimator job interviews, think about how to best demonstrate your strong mathematical and analytical skills. Even if you have a lot of cost estimation experience, hiring managers will want to hear you talk about your abilities. Emphasize how you pay close attention to details, stay organized, and communicate with people on the job.
Before the Interview
To be prepared, it's helpful to know what types of questions an interviewer will ask. While hiring managers usually won't share all of their planned questions, they'll often give a general outline or idea of their interviewing process. Request info about the types of questions and process when you contact the employer to confirm the time and place of the interview.
Hiring managers often ask behavioral interview questions designed to gauge how you would react to or address a certain work situation. Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to help you provide detailed answers to behavioral-based questions such as:
- Can you describe your approach to your most difficult project?
- What do you do when you fall behind schedule due to other workers not fulfilling their required duties?
- How do you collaborate with others to help minimize expenses and maximize time resources?
Expect the interviewer to also ask competency-based questions, which will focus more on your education and skill set. Some common competency-based questions for estimator jobs include:
- What estimating processes are you familiar with?
- Which elements do you feel contribute most to total costs?
- What different metrics have you worked with, and which do you think are the most important?
- Are you comfortable with the tender process?
- What software do you prefer to use for cost estimating?
- Are you a part of any cost estimator association, such as the International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association?
During the Interview
The person who interviews you is likely to probe your work history, problem-solving abilities, and overall demeanor. There will also be questions testing your ability to think critically and solve problems.
Employers place a high value on candidates with strong communication abilities, an excellent eye for detail, and a thorough understanding of mechanical and building processes. This is why it's so important to demonstrate your ability to overcome obstacles and provide reliable estimates.
During interviews for cost estimator jobs, be sure to use these tips to help you progress through the recruiting process:
- Describe the steps you use to ensure accuracy in your final cost estimates.
- Discuss your strategy for staying ahead of schedule and minimizing the number of times you fall behind.
- Talk about your experience working with AutoCAD.
- Explain the aspects of a project that you prioritize when you realize the team is about to fall behind on a project.
After the Interview
When filling a cost estimator position, recruiting managers typically conduct interviews with several applicants. Sending a thank-you note the day after your interview is a great way to keep your name fresh in the mind of the person responsible for making hiring decisions. This email is also another opportunity to remind the employer of your qualifications.
Receiving an Estimator Job Offer
If you've received a job offer, respond in a timely manner, even if you're not quite ready to make a decision. Be sure to review the offer several times and make notes on anything that's unclear. When weighing a job offer, think about these factors:
- location and commute
- required working hours
- benefits, including health insurance, retirement, and vacation
- salary
- potential for advancement
- company stability
When considering a job for a company that requires frequent travel between offices and project work sites, you may want to negotiate your salary to secure expense coverage through per diem pay.
You need these assurances before you begin your job as an estimator. Never accept an offer that you aren't comfortable with or before you receive answers to your questions.
Career Paths for Estimators
Becoming certified in your area of expertise is a great first step toward a successful career as a cost estimator. Obtaining certification increases your employment options and competitiveness, making it easier to get higher-paying estimator jobs. Common certifications earned by cost estimators are:
- Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst
- Certified Agile Developer
- Certified Planning Engineer
- Project Management Professional
Whether you have certification or not, your skills as a cost estimator make you valuable in a wide variety of fields. Depending on your preferences and area of expertise, you can become any of the following:
- Auto body estimator: Evaluate the total cost of repairing a vehicle by taking into account any damage to its body, mechanical parts, and interior.
- Construction estimator: Estimate the cost to build things like highways, malls, apartments, and hotels by studying designs and taking into account the prices of building materials, the wages of construction workers, and other variables.
- Electrical estimator: Prepare proposals for electrical installation work on building projects by analyzing designs, estimating the cost of materials and labor, and taking into account any other relevant factors.
- Plumbing estimator: Work directly with project managers to collect details concerning plumbing projects and present anticipated prices to employers or customers based on an analysis of material and labor expenses.
- Roofing estimator: Participate in site meetings, examine roofing drawings, organize roof inspections, assess labor and material needs, create bids, shop around for the best price, and oversee supply orders.
Estimator: Related Professions
You may also be interested in these related professions are: