Pros of a Construction Estimator's Career
Construction estimators are professionals who collect data about a construction job and help the builder produce a cost estimate that accounts for labor, materials and other miscellaneous costs. As with any occupation, a career as a construction estimator has both pros and cons. People considering careers as contraction estimators need to weigh the advantages against high levels of stress.
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Job Prospects and Wages
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One of the benefits associated with a career as a construction estimator is the strength of job prospects. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects demand for construction estimators to rise rapidly until at least 2018, especially for job candidates with college degrees. In addition, construction estimators stand to earn considerable wages, up to nearly $95,000 per year for those in the top 10 percent of earners, according to U.S. Department of Labor data. The median wage for construction estimators is over $56,000 a year.
Varied Work Environment
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Much of a construction estimator's job involves complex mathematical calculations and formulas. These formulas turn raw data into more useful information that builders can add to their budgets or use to make pricing determinations for their customers. Estimators use computers with specialized software to perform computational tasks that would be much more difficult and time consuming by hand. This also means that construction estimators get to spend time indoors in comfortable offices, along with time outdoors inspecting construction sites.
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Ease of Entry
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There is no specific degree, level of experience or educational background that a construction estimator needs to be able to go to work in the field. While some employers prefer to hire construction estimators with college educations, others will hire them with construction industry experience or general knowledge of construction budgeting. This means that construction estimators can be largely self-taught or taught on previous jobs, making the profession one for qualified professionals to transition into as needed.
Voluntary Certification
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Another benefit of a career as a construction estimator is the availability of professional certification, but the lack of any formal requirement to achieve certification by any specific point in time. Construction estimators can go to work at any time and don't need to consistently renew licenses or certifications. However, they can opt to apply for credentials with one or more of a number of professional estimator associations to demonstrate their competence and knowledge to prospective new employers and clients.
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