There are three main types of construction estimator jobs, which span a variety of disciplines and education levels. Civil engineering estimator, electrical or mechanical estimator, and building or structural estimator are the three types. The three types of construction estimator jobs all require different skill sets, but they do share some knowledge in key areas. Because the processes involved are so similar, most construction estimators are able to work in more than one category.
Groundworks, concrete foundations, piling, and drainage are the main concerns of a civil engineering estimator. The civil engineering estimator, out of the three types of construction estimator jobs, is required to perform the widest range of tasks. Civil engineering estimators are required to work on large structures such as bridges, road networks, reservoirs, and dams, in addition to building construction projects. Furthermore, this type of estimator must be well-versed in the other two construction estimator jobs, as there is frequently a need to integrate the three disciplines, with the civil engineering estimator taking the lead.
Electrical estimators work primarily in the construction industry and are responsible for both domestic and commercial electrical installations. A mechanical estimator — also known as a mechanical and electrical estimator — has a similar skill set to an electrical estimator, but their role differs due to the expansion of this discipline into heavy machinery such as pumps, turbines, and industrial electrical installations. This construction estimator job differs from the other two because it is a more specialized field with the least amount of overlap with the other two disciplines.
A building or structural estimator is needed in the residential, commercial, and industrial construction industries. In the vast majority of cases, a building estimator will work on above-ground housing and commercial unit construction. A structural estimator may also be needed to work on large civil engineering projects like reservoirs and bridges.
Specialized people who have studied civil, electrical, or structural engineering usually take the three types of construction estimator jobs. These individuals must have a strong engineering background in the construction industry. All of these construction estimator jobs require an understanding of how a job will be built, how long it will take, and what resources will be needed. Excellent financial skills and a thorough understanding of construction contracts are also required of construction estimators.