Job Duties

Estimators may:

Compile lists of the type of materials, tools, or equipment required

List the tools or equipment to be manufactured by the company or purchased from outside sources

Compute cost estimates for materials, purchased equipment, subcontracted work, production activities, and labor

Conduct special studies to reduce costs or to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data

Consult with personnel of other departments relating to cost problems

Determine Cost effectiveness of products as it relates to projects

Review blueprints to prepare time, labor, and cost estimates

Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors

Conduct negotiations and resolve issues

Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures

Click here to view Cost Estimators at work!

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Estimators may specialize in these areas:

169.267-038 ESTIMATORS (also called PRODUCTION ESTIMATORS) prepare cost estimates for the manufacturing of products, construction projects, or services requested to aid management in bidding on or determining the price of products, materials, or services.

221.362-018 PAPERBOARD BOX ESTIMATORS estimate the cost of manufacturing paperboard boxes according to specifications, blueprints, or diagrams.

221.367-014 PRINTING ESTIMATORS estimate labor and material costs of printing and binding books, pamphlets, periodicals, and other printed matter.

221.482-014 LUMBER ESTIMATORS calculate the number of board feet of lumber necessary to manufacture boxes and crates of specified size and number.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Estimators may work with and around others in office buildings, on construction sites, or in factories. Some work areas are cramped, dirty, dusty, and subject to temperature extremes. When inside Estimators usually work in clean, comfortable, well lighted, and well ventilated areas.

The normal workweek is 40 hours. Work is usually performed during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, overtime may be necessary to meet deadlines for making contract bids or to meet production schedules.

Estimators may travel from one job site to another within their local area. Some or all of their traveling expenses may be reimbursed.

Estimators may join associations such as The Associated General Contractors of America and The General Building Contractors Association. Union members must pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Activities which involve the use of machines and processes

• Activities dealing with things and objects

You Should Be Able To:

• Use reason and logic

• Communicate well in speech and writing

• Use mathematics quickly and accurately to figure costs

• See drawings or pictures as solid objects

• See detail in objects/drawings and recognize slight differences

• Rate information using personal judgment

• Perform work accurately

• Rate information using measurable, verifiable standards

• See details and recognize errors in written materials

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

Cost estimates for a line of products have increased by 38%. If the cost last year was $29, how much are the estimates this year?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Should be able to read and understand terminology such as quantity survey, debugging, inclement weather, shipping delays, overhead, bid proposal, subcontractor.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Write a report of a series of estimates you have made so that the project managers can track the progress of a construction process.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be detail-oriented in tracking costs and making calculations.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1100 ECONOMICS , 1300 ENGLISH , 2000 LIFE MANAGEMENT , 3100 STUDY & WORK OPTIONS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY , 3400 WOODS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

005 ACCOUNTING & COMPUTING

Approved programs in Accounting and Computing prepare students to compute, calculate, and record numbers to keep financial records. Instruction includes using billing machines, bookkeeping machines, and computers to prepare bills and reports, obtain records, and find information.

Courses in other office & distributive education programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.  

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program    

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.  

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

This occupation may be explored by obtaining related employment in construction or manufacturing firms. Secondary vocational education programs in accounting and computing may offer a co-op portion through which experience may be gained. The cooperative education program of the federal government offers students a chance to gain work experience and an income while going to college.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Estimator employer

internships

volunteer work with a Estimator employer

community service work with an agency

Methods of entering this occupation include direct application to employers and promotion from entry-level jobs within construction and manufacturing firms. Assistance in locating a job may be obtained from a local office of the Michigan Works! or by consulting newspaper want ads.  In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

The earnings of Estimators may vary according to education, experience, amount of responsibility, geographic location, size and type of employer, and whether they are paid commission on sales, as in some construction companies.

Nationally, most cost Estimators' salaries averaged between $45,300 and $71,500 in mid 2008. Their average earnings were $58,500. Those with professional certification earned considerably higher salaries. The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $36,140 in 2007.

In the Great Lakes region, which includes Michigan, cost Estimators averaged $58,900 per year in mid 2008. Most had earnings ranging between $51,100 and $64,300 annually.

In Michigan, annual salaries of Estimators in mid 2008 were:

Estimators who also have a journeyworker's card earn at least the prevailing wage for that craft. In early 2008, some construction crafts workers earned base rates including fringe benefits ranging up to $53.62 per hour (or $111,530 per year). Some Estimators also receive cost-of-living allowances.

Depending on the employer, most Estimators receive health, life, and accident insurance; paid holidays and vacations; pensions; and sick pay. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by employers. Some Estimators also have savings and stock investment plans.

Advancement for Estimators is based on experience and the availability of job openings. Many Estimators must have some experience in the industry in which they will work. They generally learn the technical knowledge needed to figure out costs accurately while working in other jobs. With experience, Estimators may advance to chief Estimator, plant superintendent, or other management positions. Some Estimators start their own businesses. 

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Approximately 221,100 Estimators were employed nationally in 2006. Employment of Estimators is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. The industry distribution for Estimators looked like this:

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

There are approximately 6,500 Estimators employed in Michigan. Most Estimators worked in urban areas. Many worked for manufacturers of transportation equipment and industrial machinery and for special trade contractors.

Employment of Estimators is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. An average of 230 annual openings is expected, with 80 due to growth and 150 to replace workers who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

Employment of Estimators, particularly in the construction industry, is somewhat sensitive to the economy. During good economic periods, increased construction and manufacturing activities will create a great demand for Estimators.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2014

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed occupational information is available upon written request from sources below:

 Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth