Job Description

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Skilled Trade > Estimator

Salary National Average

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65890.0000 84020.0000 110440.0000

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Short Description:

An Estimator is responsible for calculating the costs associated with construction projects, manufacturing processes, or other services, providing accurate estimates that help determine project feasibility and budgeting. Their duties include analyzing project specifications, reviewing blueprints, assessing material and labor requirements, and working with suppliers to obtain pricing. Estimators collaborate with project managers, architects, and clients to ensure cost-effective planning and resource allocation. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of industry pricing and trends are essential for success in this role, as they play a key part in ensuring projects are completed within budget.

Duties / Responsibilities:

  • Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
  • Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
  • Prepare estimates used by management for planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
  • Analyze blueprints and documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
  • Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.  
  • Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.  
  • Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.  
  • Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.  
  • Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Job Zones

  • Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
  • Related Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
  • Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
  • Job Zone Examples: Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include accountants, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.
  • Specific Vocational Preparation in years: 2-4 years preparation (7.0 to < 8.0)

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