what is an estimator?
An estimator determines the costs involved in undertaking a project before its inception. For instance, in a large construction project, an estimator uses the drawings and specifications to determine the total expenses for the building. When bidding for a contract, a cost planner estimates the expenses for the project and the best quote.
As an estimator, you will collaborate with engineers, architects and suppliers to arrive at estimates. When coming up with a project's cost analysis, a cost planner involves all the aspects relevant to the business, including overheads, contractor's fees and timelines.
what does an estimator do?
After coming up with a budget, you need to provide recommendations for reducing the costs and ensuring timely completion of the project. Sometimes, you are in charge of bidding and finding the best materials at pocket-friendly prices. When a project commences, you keep track of the actual costs and compare them with the estimates.
Estimators often work in construction and manufacturing industries, but they can also work in various engineering firms and other business sectors. To succeed in the profession, you need exceptional analytical skills, financial acumen and maths aptitude. These skills help you avoid errors and provide accurate estimates for a project.
Would working as an estimator suit your analytical and maths skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an estimator role.
estimator jobsaverage estimator salary
According to our salary guide, as an estimator, your starting salary can vary greatly depending on your location. Starting salaries can range from around $50,000, to an average of $70,000. An experienced estimator can even earn up to $95,000 per year.
Toronto and Calgary are the two most dynamic markets for estimators in Canada. The opportunities offered by these two cities are largely due to the success of the manufacturing and oil and gas industries.
what factors affect your salary as an estimator?
As an estimator, various factors influence your compensation packages. The internal factors that affect your pay include your academic qualifications and work experience. When you acquire additional transferable skills, you can boost your earnings. Certifications show your competency, which translates to better pay. Work experience also improves your prospects and salary due to the skillset you bring to the table.
External factors like location and company impact your pay scale. For instance, a company's size determines the available resources and how much they are willing to spend on salaries. A large organization with an unlimited budget can pay more than a smaller business. Urban locations and cities like Toronto also pay more due to the high cost of living compared to smaller towns.
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access our tooltypes of estimators
Cost planners are classified based on the employers. Some of the types of estimators include:
- client's estimator: as an estimator for a client, you assist them in making an investment decision for a project. You evaluate the costs at the conceptual stage and help them negotiate the contracts, and introduce cost control measures.
- contractor's cost estimator: when you work for a contractor, you approximate project costs and provide the information needed for a bid. That means you should understand the project's labour, equipment and materials before estimating costs. You can use the contractor's database to determine the suppliers they need for a project and the discount prices available.
- engineer's estimator: when you work for an engineer, you create a budget for a project, and the engineer presents it to the client. Sometimes, you have to evaluate alternative construction methods that are budget-friendly.
working as an estimator
Want to find out what the daily life of an estimator looks like? Read on for details on the day-to-day tasks and the work environment.
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estimator job description
The specific estimator duties depend on the company you work for, but the standard tasks include:
- inspecting blueprints: as an estimator, you evaluate a project site and determine if it suits the size of the building and the budget. Using your construction and building design knowledge, you can gauge soil stability and drainage. Inspecting blueprints helps you decide if the site requires additional groundwork to improve stability. In manufacturing, an estimator reviews the blueprints of a product design and determines the specifications and costs for producing the item.
- material and time estimation: your job as an estimator is to determine the materials needed for a construction project or designing a product. For instance, it is essential to know the roofing materials required for a building. You also work with suppliers to come up with cost estimates. When planning the costs, you should determine the timeframe for the project. Calculate the timeframe and factor in shipping delays, holidays, weather and work stoppages.
- determining labour costs: since you know the project size and needs, you can estimate the workers required to complete the building's interior and exterior. Work with construction managers and union representatives to determine a cost-effective wage for each role. In the manufacturing industry, you are likely to prepare a time chart to determine the work hours and the number of shifts before setting the hourly wages.
- presenting the cost summary: after factoring in all the project costs, you should prepare a detailed report to deliver to your employer. When the circumstances change, you have to adjust the estimate to avoid stretching the project's budget.
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work environment
As an estimator, you work in the manufacturing industry or a construction company. Sometimes you visit the factory or construction site to evaluate project progress, but you work in office environments most of the time. You also research materials and vet suppliers, which means you will spend hours on your desk. When visiting construction sites or manufacturing plants, wear protective equipment to avoid accidents.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer, your colleagues might include contracts managers, project managers and quality assurance managers. In construction, you might also be working in close proximity to architects, painters and joiners, while in manufacturing, your colleagues could include, but not be limited to, machine operators, engineers and warehouse associates.
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work schedule
The typical work hours are 37 to 40 hours a week for full-time positions. Some companies also offer part-time opportunities. You will work 9 am to 5 pm office hours unless you have deadlines or urgent work. If you have to be at the construction site, you need to work the overtime hours and weekends that the construction crew works. The job also involves occasional travelling from the construction site to the office or meeting clients at off-site locations.
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job outlook
A career as an estimator gives you plenty of opportunities to grow in the field or move to related roles. With your qualifications and experience as a cost planner, you can become a project manager, contracts manager or quality assurance manager. Alternatively, progress to related careers like quantity surveyor or supply chain manager. As an estimator, opportunities for freelance work are available. With high levels of experience in the field, you can become a consultant.
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advantages of finding an estimator job through Randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
estimator skills and education
To become an estimator in Canada, you typically need a combination of education and practical experience. The specific educational requirements may vary depending on the employer and the type of estimator role, but here are the general educational pathways to become an estimator in Canada:
- post-secondary education: many estimators in Canada hold a post-secondary degree or diploma in a related field. the most common educational backgrounds for estimators include:
- civil engineering: a degree or diploma in civil engineering can be highly relevant for construction estimators. It provides a strong foundation in engineering principles and construction methods.
- construction management: a degree or diploma in construction management often includes coursework related to cost estimation, project management, and construction processes.
- quantity surveying: quantity surveying programs focus on cost estimation, measurement of quantities, and procurement. This specialized field is particularly relevant for estimators in construction and engineering.
- architectural technology: some estimators may have a background in architectural technology, which provides knowledge of building design and construction techniques.
- mathematics or business: in some cases, individuals with degrees in mathematics, business, or related fields may also become estimators, especially if they acquire additional relevant skills and experience.
- apprenticeship: in addition to formal education, some individuals become estimators through apprenticeships or on-the-job training. This is more common in industries like manufacturing or small-scale contracting, where practical experience is highly valued.
- certifications: while not always mandatory, obtaining certifications can enhance your qualifications as an estimator. For example, you may consider pursuing certifications from professional organizations like the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) or the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE). These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
skills and competencies
Aside from academic qualifications, you need these soft skills:
- mathematical prowess: since your job is to estimate costs, you spend most of the time doing complex calculations. An aptitude for maths will help you calculate price discrepancies when the project begins. You also need strong maths skills to estimate the costs of labour and materials and find affordable alternatives.
- time management: as an estimator, you are in charge of determining the timeframe of a project. Hence, you need to ensure the project's milestones are met on time. Effective time management also prevents additional costs.
- attention to details: as an estimator, you should pay attention to minor details in blueprints and reports that can affect the project costs. For instance, groundwork may seem insignificant during planning, but it increases expenses. Being detail-oriented also ensures you don't leave out any materials or equipment that impact the project cost.
- communication skills: estimators work with various professionals, from architects to contractors and factory managers. Communication skills help you communicate clearly with the stakeholders. During bidding for contracts or negotiating with suppliers, you need negotiation skills to get the best deals.
FAQs about working as an estimator
FAQs about working as an estimator
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what is the role of an estimator?
Your primary duty as an estimator is to determine the prices of materials, cost of labour and other resources necessary for a project. You advise clients on investment decisions and help identify cost-effective methods of completing a project.
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what qualifications do you need to be an estimator?
To become an estimator, you need a degree in civil engineering, quantity surveying,construction management, architectural technology or mathematics and business. An apprenticeship can also get you a job as an estimator.
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is estimator a good job?
Becoming an estimator is an exciting career if you love working with numbers. You can also branch into various roles related to cost planning.
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what is an estimator salary?
The annual salary of an estimator ranges from $50,000 to an average of $70,000 depending on the level of experience and educational qualifications. Aside from wages, you can also enjoy other benefits like pension and insurance.
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how do I become a successful estimator?
To succeed as an estimator, you need to improve your skills by gaining additional qualifications and certifications. Technical and soft skills also enhance your prospects.
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how do I apply for a estimator job?
Finding a job near you as an estimator is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the 'Apply' button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume, and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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