what is an estimator?
As an estimator, you collect and analyse the information necessary for estimating the materials, labour, time and cost for manufacturing a product, providing a service or constructing a building. For instance, if a company is manufacturing cars, your job is to break down the costs associated with the manufacturing process. As an estimator, you also analyse a project's current manufacturing or construction costs and find ways to optimise expenses and stick to the original budgets.
Companies are always in search of cost-effective production methods and accurate cost estimations. Hence, cost estimators should be attentive to details and analytical to provide correct cost projections. As an estimator, you help the company determine whether producing or purchasing a product is more cost effective. The cost projections also assist managers in deciding on subcontractors and price determination.
As an estimator, you can work in various industries that require cost estimation to optimise expenses in the production process. For instance, most estimators work for manufacturing firms like vehicle and equipment manufacturing plants or construction sites. Other estimators work in engineering firms or mining companies to estimate the cost of mining processes and find ways to optimise costs.
estimator jobsaverage estimator salary
An estimator earns an average remuneration package of $85,000 annually. The salary usually depends on skills, qualifications and experience. Hence, estimators joining the field start with an entry level salary of $70,000 annually, which increases gradually as their expertise in the role improves. Skilled estimators take home over $100,000 per year. While benefits and allowances aren't part of the employment contract, some companies provide benefits like car and house allowances or medical insurance in their remuneration packages. You also receive additional pay for working overtime or in the form of annual bonuses.
how to increase the salary of an estimator
An estimator's salary is tied to their experience level and expertise. When you have over five years of experience, your expertise in the role improves your salary prospects. Your qualifications are also an important consideration when determining the remuneration package. Having additional qualifications boosts your salary prospects and gives you bargaining power. Where you live impacts your earnings as an estimator. Working in metro areas correlates to a higher salary due to the high cost of living and the demand for estimators.
Want to know what you will earn as an estimator? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of estimators
Some of the common types of cost estimators include:
- construction estimators: as a construction estimator, you estimate the cost of construction projects. For instance, if your employer is building a commercial building, shopping centre or bridge, you estimate the expenses involved in the construction. Your job consists in analysing the raw materials required, labour costs and duration of the construction process.
- manufacturing estimators: as a manufacturing cost estimator, you assist the production team in optimising costs by determining the expenses associated with manufacturing or redesigning a product. You gather information on materials needed and evaluate cost-effective production methods. You also assess the profitability of the manufactured products.
working as an estimator
An estimator provides valuable information on the costs of producing a product or completing a construction project. Hence, you assist managers in decision-making and help the construction or manufacturing team to optimise project costs. Other duties and work settings of estimators are explained below.
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estimator job description
An estimator performs the following tasks:
- gathering information: as an estimator, you determine the scope of work for a construction project or a manufacturing process and define all the elements required.
- inspecting blueprints: as an estimator, you should conversate with blueprints and drawing specifications. Aside from checking the blueprints, you survey the construction site to determine if the land fits the project. You also consider the construction site's soil stability and drainage capabilities since they affect the cost.
- working with product designers: as an estimator, you work with product designers and engineers during the product design stage. You use the drawing specifications from the designs and prototypes to estimate the costs and determine the materials to use.
- estimating materials and time: as a construction estimator, your job involves determining the materials used in construction, from bricks for the exterior to roofing materials. With the quotations you receive from vendors, you can estimate the costs of materials. You calculate the expenses involved in every aspect of the project, from the materials to tools used in the construction process. You also provide the project's time frame after factoring in weather, shipping delays and work stoppages.
- determining the labour costs: your job involves estimating the number of workers required to complete a project. You also choose the hourly rates and the project duration. You work with contractors to assist with the hiring process.
- presenting cost estimation reports: as an estimator, you compile figures from your research and present the cost summary to project managers. You also follow up on the projected costs and revise them as circumstances change.
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work environment
You work in various industries as an estimator, from construction to manufacturing. You spend your time in office settings reviewing budgets and analysing data from multiple contractors. Despite working in sectors involving outdoor activities, you rarely work outdoors unless you inspect the working site.Your office is usually at the work site when you work with construction contractors. That means you will be exposed to dust and noisy environments. Estimators also travel a lot to meet vendors and contractors and negotiate prices. An estimator can work from home or a remote location since they conduct most activities using a computer.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include project engineers, construction managers and architects. You might also be working close to project managers and quantity surveyors, as well as other specialists that could include, but are not limited to, factory managers, product managers and engineers.
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work schedule
The work schedule of an estimator runs from 9 am to 5 pm like other professionals in full-time positions. That means you work an average of 40 hours a week. You are also likely to work overtime. Sometimes, you meet clients, contractors or suppliers in the evening or during weekends. Some estimators work part-time, while others work on short-term contracts. Freelancing opportunities are also available.
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job outlook
As an estimator, you have many opportunities for career advancement in diverse business sectors. In construction, an estimator progresses to a quantity surveyor or a manager like a project or construction manager. Some become contractors or contract managers in construction consultancy firms.
In manufacturing, you may progress to a supervisory position to oversee the manufacturing process. Some estimators become factory managers, mining managers or product managers.
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advantages of finding an estimator job through randstad
Finding your estimator job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an estimator is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
Some of the academic qualifications of an estimator include:
- certificate or apprenticeship: to become an estimator, pursue a certificate or diploma in estimation. Typical courses include Certificate IV in building and construction (estimating). Alternatively, join a relevant apprenticeship with a registered practitioner and gain hands-on experience.
- work experience: most employers require work experience from estimators. You can gain experience from internships and entry-level jobs in the construction industry. You also need a White Card to work on any construction site in Australia.
estimator skills and competencies
Important qualities for estimators include:
- maths skills: as an estimator, you rely on mathematical skills to calculate the costs of materials, labour and other pricing considerations. Maths skills also help you with measurements and estimating dimensions from blueprints.
- communication skills: as an estimator, you work with various professionals and make presentations to managers. Communication skills help you pass information clearly and ensure everyone from the construction team understands the project's scope. Communication skills also help you write reports and present estimates in simple terms that clients can understand.
- organisation skills: as an estimator, you rely on organisation skills to keep track of your work and team. You create a schedule that prioritises tasks and avoids project delays. Organisation skills also help you track the budgets and expenses of a project.
- problem-solving skills: as an estimator, you resolve problems during manufacturing or construction. You rely on your problem-solving skills to find solutions that optimise costs.
FAQs about working as an estimator
Here are the most asked questions about working as an estimator:
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what does an estimator do in Australia?
An estimator determines the cost of materials and projects. You rely on your knowledge of construction or production processes to estimate the cost of installing new equipment, producing items or building houses. You also review subcontractor bids and the labour costs associated with a project and present your findings to project managers.
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how do I become an estimator in Australia?
Most employers require estimators to have a Certificate IV in building majoring in construction estimation or a diploma in building and construction. You also need a White Card to work on a construction site and to know the health and safety hazards associated with construction.
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what are the tasks of an estimator?
As an estimator, your duties involve planning and estimating budgets and auditing project plans to check expenditure. You also monitor expenses throughout a project. Estimators negotiate with subcontractors and suppliers on the best prices for materials and labour to keep the costs low. Sometimes, they ascertain a project's value and feasibility and suggest ways to reduce costs.
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what are the skills of an estimator?
As an estimator, you require excellent maths skills to estimate the costs of materials, labour and contracts. Sometimes, the role involves complex calculations to determine ways to minimise costs. Communication skills are also crucial since you work with various professionals and communicate complex financial language in simple terms.
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is an estimator a good job?
Becoming an estimator is an exciting job that allows you to participate in successful projects. While you work in high-pressure environments, the role is rewarding since it challenges you to take on complex projects and grow your career. The remuneration package and other benefits also make it an attractive career.
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how do I apply for an estimator vacancy?
Applying for an estimator job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our estimator job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
