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An estimator provides a cost for services. Estimators work in construction and are in charge of growing the business by planning schedules and estimating the cost of a project which helps secure work for the company. Estimators are quite in demand in construction and are essential to keep the industry moving forward. So how to become an estimator, what challenges you should expect, and what it takes to become successful.
To become an estimator, you need to have an academic background in civil engineering or construction management and broad industry experience. It takes 2-4 years of academic study, depending on the course you take (Diploma or Bachelor’s degree) and at least 1-2 years of experience in construction to become an estimator.
While the above is very general, it is necessary to become a successful estimator because estimators need the academic knowledge to use various estimating tools and to communicate effectively. Construction experience is also critical because it gives the estimator practical knowledge that can be used to accurately estimating work.
Working as a site supervisor, engineer, or project manager is a good early experience that the future estimator should consider. Although it is not wrong to start as an estimator immediately, It is quite difficult to succeed as there is no real practical knowledge to draw from when working as an estimator. So the work might be challenging at the beginning.
If you are considering estimation as a career, we encourage you to learn about the simple definition of an estimator, what they do and what are their core duties. Read: What Is An Estimator? Insights, Role, Duties, Salary & More.
So is estimating a good career? And how long does it takes to succeed at it, and what are the struggles? All are explained in the following sections.
What should I study to become an estimator?
To become an estimator, you must have a civil engineering degree, which takes around 4 years to finish your bachelor’s degree. Also, you can take a specific approach by doing a bachelor’s degree in construction management, which also takes around 4 years.
While estimators do not necessarily have to be civil engineers, career options are limited with a diploma in construction management, which takes 1-2 years to complete.
Most estimator jobs require civil engineers with knowledge in managing projects. Most construction companies will demand estimators to have a civil engineering degree, especially if the company is a specialist constructor or engineering company, which means it does something very technical.
On the other hand, general contractors with no focus on engineering work do not require an estimator with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, especially for DIY projects and small residential projects. In that case, extensive knowledge of construction and a simple diploma in construction can qualify the person to work as an estimator.
What are the estimator career paths?
In general, there are 5 career paths for an estimator. The following is a breakdown of those careers:
1- Construction Estimator
Construction estimators work in large construction companies that are in charge of providing a cost for construction services. The estimator estimates labour, material cost, and time required to finish the job.
2- Engineering estimator
Engineering estimators are civil engineers who work on pricing for tenders. We can break engineering estimators into the types of companies they work in:
1- Design estimators: These are the structural companies that design buildings, bridges, and dams that require estimators to price for tenders. Usually, this requires using structural engineering knowledge when pricing for jobs.
2- Civil estimators: These are specialist construction companies that do something technical, such as stressing companies. Estimators are required to be engineers with relevant experience.
3- Remedial estimators: Those in charge of repairing buildings and structures using special products or engineering methods.
Engineering estimators’ jobs are quite technical, which is why it requires experienced civil engineers to price efficiently. Nearly every civil engineering career path requires an estimator. To learn more, read: 15 Civil Engineering Career Options. Insights, Salary & More.
3- General estimator: Industrial & Commercial
General estimators are companies that sell products and services to other companies. They can be industrial estimators who manufacture things for other companies or commercial companies that sell services to other construction companies only.
4- Quantity surveyor
Quantity surveyors are in charge of cost tracking before, during and after the completion of the projects. Estimators can become quantity surveyors and vice versa. While the job description is quite different, there is some overlap in duties between both positions. The following is a comparison between estimators and quantity surveyors:
| Construction Estimator | Quantity Surveyor |
|---|---|
| 1- Estimators are in charge in the initial stage of the project to provide cost, schedule and solutions. | 2- Quantity surveyors are in charge before, during and after the completion of the project to track the project cost and keep it within budget. |
| 2- Engaged in the tendering stage of the project, which means their cost is considered overhead. | 2- Engaged on live projects, which means their cost is tied to the project budget. |
| 3- Estimators forecast project labour, materials and construction method. | 3- Quantity surveyors in charge of procurement of labour and material. |
5- Project management
While estimators are not project managers, they can become one. The job description is very different, and so is the responsibility. However, they are in the same industry and mostly work together. When an estimator wins a job, they must hand over the project to a project manager who will be in charge of executing the project.
If you are interested in a career in construction management, read Top 7 Personality Traits Of Project Manager For Immediate Success.
4 tips to become a successful estimator
1- Become a good negotiator
Negotiation is a big part of the estimator’s job because construction projects are based on bidding systems. The winning company is always the one that can accommodate all of the client’s requirements. Therefore, estimators must have excellent communication skills to negotiate and work in teams to win new contracts. To learn more about how bidding in the construction industry work, read: How Engineers Tender Price For Jobs?
2- Have excellent analytical skills
Estimators need to have excellent analytical skills, which means they need to use different tools to analyse project cost, budget and materials required to do the work. Estimators need to analyse everything and be precise with attention to detail when pricing for work.
3- Become forward-thinking
Forward-thinking is essential as estimators plan how projects should be executed, which requires forecasting skills and experience in the industry.
4- Have extensive experience in your niche
Estimators need to have a wide experience in their field to become successful. Because estimators plan everything, they need experience in the field to accurately forecast and price projects.
