The Average Salary of a Construction Estimator
A construction estimator is a cost estimator who forecasts the cost, supplies and time frame required to complete construction projects. Along with estimation of the total cost of projects, these professionals estimate the profitability of each project and assist owners or managers in making decisions on whether to take on such projects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 59 percent of all cost estimators work in the construction industry.
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Job Requirements
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Employers prefer a bachelor's degree in construction management, construction science or a related discipline for this occupation. Employment opportunities may increase for those who obtain voluntary certification regarding cost estimating. Professional organizations such as the American Society of Professional Estimators offer training and an examination to obtain this credential.
Base Salary
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These professionals often receive a base salary, as well as benefits, paid time-off, and other compensation. In October 2010, PayScale reported a national average base salary ranging between $41,666 and $63,959 per year. These averages are based on 3,204 construction estimators reporting their wages.
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Additional Compensation
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Along with a base salary, construction estimators receive benefits including medical, dental and vision care. Profit sharing, bonuses and commissions are also paid based on the employer's profitability and the cost estimator's success. Average profit sharing compensation ranged between $1,467 and $5,110 per year. Bonuses ranged between $1,005 and $5,070 per year, and commissions ranged between $3,077 and $20,347 per year.
Construction Industries
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Construction estimators can work for a variety of employers and in a variety of industries. Popular industries include general contractors, heating and cooling, general and commercial construction, as well as heavy civil construction. The highest salaries were reported in heavy civil construction, ranging between $45,921 and $69,152 per year. Those employed by general contractors earned average salaries ranging between $41,716 and $62,702 per year. Heating and cooling employers paid average salaries ranging between 42,392 and $63,534 per year.
Job Outlook
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 25 percent growth for cost estimators between 2008 and 2018. Growth is expected due to an increasing focus on improving infrastructure, as well as increasing populations which will require the construction of homes, schools, hospitals and other structures.
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References
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