What Skills Should Construction Estimators Have?
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Learn Construction Estimating
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- Create your own portfolio
- Free student software
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Learn the Skills You Need to Become a Construction Estimator
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AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design and drafting software developed by Autodesk. AutoCAD is used to create 2D drawings and 3D models.
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Construction Estimating
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Construction
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Blueprint Reading
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CAD
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BIM
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Revit
Construction Estimator Salaries
A Construction Estimator in the United States makes, on average, $81,048 annually, according to Indeed.com.
Salaries for Construction Estimators vary by region within the the United States. Listed below are some Construction Estimator salaries for specific areas with the United States compared with the average national salary:
- U.S. Average $81K source n/a
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Alexandria, VA
$120K
source
+48.56%
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New York City
$119K
source
+47.16%
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Los Angeles, CA
$101K
source
+25.69%
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Washington, D.C.
$98K
source
+21.84%
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Orange County, CA
$95K
source
+17.35%
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Dallas, TX
$90K
source
+12.17%
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Chicago, IL
$89K
source
+10.35%
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Houston, TX
$83K
source
+3.35%
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Miami, FL
$81K
source
+0.41%
- U.S. Average $81K source n/a
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Fairfax, VA
$78K
source
-2.74%
Additional Construction Estimator Resources
- Construction Estimator Job Description
- What Software Do Construction Estimators Use?
- How to Become a Construction Estimator Without a Degree in 2025
- How to Become a Freelance Construction Estimator in 2025
- What Classes to Take to Become a Construction Estimator
- How to Become a Construction Estimator At Home
Related Careers
Construction Estimators analyze costs, materials, and labor needs for building projects, collaborating with Construction Project Managers and BIM Managers to ensure financial accuracy. Many move into CAD Manager roles to refine project documentation, while others specialize in digital modeling as BIM Managers. With experience in budgeting and logistics, Estimators can transition into Construction Project Manager positions, overseeing entire project lifecycles. Those with technical expertise may explore roles in building analytics and cost optimization for large-scale developments.
Salary Comparison to Construction Estimator
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Construction Project Manager
$94K
+16.42%
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CAD Manager
$91K
+13.37%
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BIM Manager
$83K
+2.99%
- Construction Estimator $81K n/a
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Construction Project Manager
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$94K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$101K / year
Construction Project Managers oversee every stage of the building process and are responsible for keeping construction projects on budget and within the scope of the plan. They are responsible for: hiring and managing subcontractors, planning, budgeting, and remaining compliant with regional laws.
Learn about becoming a Construction Project Manager -
BIM Manager
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$83K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$112K / year
BIM Managers oversee complex, multi-stage drafting projects undertaken for building and construction work.
Learn about becoming a BIM Manager -
CAD Manager
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$91K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$90K / year
CAD Managers oversee complex, multi-stage drafting projects undertaken for design, development and construction projects.
Learn about becoming a CAD Manager