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Estimator Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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An 340082153estimator11.03construction6.31construction estimator3.55estimator construction1.42electrical estimator1.0651319358760123000.0085045.39185000.00YEARLY3679337692025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Estimator, or Project Estimator, is responsible for deciding the projected time frame needed to complete a project and additional factors like labor needs, materials, budgets and potential setbacks. Their duties include communicating with personnel and contractual professionals or vendors, using computer software to weigh production risks or compile reports and making presentations to project leaders outlining their suggestions for upcoming projects.

Estimator duties and responsibilities

Estimators work closely with many other professionals including consultants, contractors, accountants and operations personnel to provide the most accurate and comprehensive financial and budget analysis for their employers. Their duties often include:

  • Analyzing requirement documents, blueprints and project plans to gain a thorough understanding of the project
  • Determining what factors of production will influence the cost of a service or product
  • Preparing material estimates and cost estimates for the product or service
  • Creating labor estimates for any project
  • Developing and maintaining relationships with company vendors and contractors
  • Managing bids from vendors and contractors
  • Using bid data to prepare detailed a cost analysis
  • Presenting prepared estimates to management and other stakeholders
  • Compiling and recording actual costs

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Estimator Job Description Examples

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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What does an Estimator do?

Estimators typically work for corporations across industries, especially in construction services, to help leaders determine what they need to see a project through to completion. They work closely with contractors and team members to evaluate relative costs or potential risks and conclude whether they can complete a project within the time frame and budget that the client wants. Their job is to perform mathematical calculations and get quotes from vendors to estimate the costs needed for labor and materials.

They may also be responsible for reevaluating project needs throughout the course of the project to adjust to environmental restraints or budget cuts.

340082153estimator11.03construction6.31construction estimator3.55estimator construction1.42electrical estimator1.0651319358760123000.0085045.39185000.00YEARLY3679337692025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Estimator skills and qualifications

Estimators use a variety of technical and soft skills to support the profitable operations of a company, including:

  • Proficiency in mathematics, statistics and data analysis
  • Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail
  • Report writing and strategic planning skills
  • Familiarity with analyzing requirement data to develop material and cost estimates for large projects
  • Expertise with analytic tools, such as spreadsheets and database managers
  • Ability to read and interpret technical documents
  • Excellent written communication and interpersonal skills
  • Exceptional time management skills

Estimator salary expectations

An Estimator earns an average of $68,920 per year. Salary may depend on the candidate’s level of education, experience and geographical location.

Estimator salary expectations

2025-10-0123000.0085045.39185000.00YEARLY
  • Common salary: 85045.39 YEARLY
  • Typical salaries range from 23000.00 - 185000.00 YEARLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Estimator education and training requirements

Estimators must have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, finance, accounting, statistics or another related field. Candidates with degrees and training in engineering management or project management with relevant work experience may also be qualified for the role.

Common training requirements include the Certified Professional Estimator, awarded by the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE). Estimators with five or more years of work experience are eligible to enroll in this training program. Estimators with less than five years of experience may enroll in the Associate Estimating Professional certification program. Both certifications demonstrate a candidate’s refined skills and expertise in the field.

Estimator experience requirements

Entry-level Estimator candidates should have at least one year of experience estimating costs in a relevant industry. Some entry-level candidates may have other finance, cost accounting or other project management related experience. Other candidates who have three or more years of experience may be able to start work with little-to-no additional training. Those who have five or more years of experience may have leadership potential and be ready for more specialized tasks.

Job description samples for similar positions

If you are hiring for another role similar to an Estimator, consider these templates as well:

Job Description Best Practices
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Frequently asked questions about Estimators

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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