Estimator Jobs 101

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As of May 2008, there were 217,800 existing jobs for estimators with majority working in the construction industry while the rest were employed by the manufacturing and other sectors. Indeed, estimator jobs can be found in many public and private organizations especially in or near the major commercial, industrial and governmental centers.

Job prospects for estimators are forecasted to grow much faster than average, which translates to a 25 percent growth rate. Such very good employment opportunities for the profession can be attributed to the aging of the population as many healthcare facilities like nursing homes have to be constructed to accommodate more patients. Plus, there is also the fact that the housing bust may soon become the housing boom, as is the cycle in the economy.

Expected Earnings



As is also the case with other jobs, the salaries of estimators vary significantly with the education, experience and industry. Still, it is possible to arrive at the medial annual wages for May 2008 for all cost estimators, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics have found to be at $56,510 with the highest earners raking it in at $94,470 and the lowest earners at $33,150. The salary range for costs estimators will have increased as the years go by and as the construction and manufacturing industries pick up speed.

Importance of the Job

Cost estimators perform a very important job for the survival of the business. On one hand, the cost estimates formulated by an estimator is necessary to make a successful bid for construction projects. On the other hand, business organizations require cost estimates to determine the profitability of a certain business venture. Even when the contract has been won and the business venture has started, costs estimators still perform the important jobs of collection, classification and analysis of all factors that can affect the total costs of the project.

Said factors include materials and labor as well as the duration and location of the project, not to mention the computer hardware and software that form essential components of any modern undertaking. However, the specific responsibilities of the jobs for estimators will also vary depending on each specific project undertaken by the company. Thus, if the professional is hopping among many estimator jobs, the demands of the position will be different in many respects.

Responsibilities of the Job

Most cost estimators follow similar basic processes to accomplish the goals of the job. These processes can include the following with a few minor revisions to account for the demands of the specific project, thus:

* Review of preliminary drawings and specifications of the proposed structure
* Collection of information regarding the site like topography and drainage as well as the availability of utilities and other services
* Determination of the quantity of materials, labor and equipment based on the building specifications in addition to the planning the sequence of operations and solutions for projected physical constraints of the project
* Preparation of the cost summary, which includes the costs of the materials, labor, equipment, taxes, insurance and overhead, to name a few of the possible costs
* Submission of the bid proposal to the client/owner

Computers and information technology also play a large part in the success of a cost estimator. Thus, most employers will require computer literacy in applicants for the estimator jobs.

Places to Find the Job

As previously mentioned, jobs for estimators can be found in the public and private sectors. In the private sector, job opportunities are available in architectural, engineering firms and construction firms, all of which are directly involved in building construction as well as in the bidding process. In manufacturing establishments, cost estimators are typically assigned to the cost and pricing departments. In the government sector, almost all agencies involved in physical infrastructure will require cost estimators. Ostensibly, the purpose of the job is to save on costs.

Steps to Get the Job

The entry level requirements for estimator jobs will vary depending on the industry. For the manufacturing and construction industries, a bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred. It is possible, however, for other construction workers and professionals to become cost estimators with experience and a short-term education. Advancement is possible through excellent work performance, certification and training as well as experience.

In conclusion, jobs for estimators are very rewarding and fulfilling. The trick is in acquiring sufficient number of years' experience, the right education and certification and the right attitude towards the demands of the job.
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