Pathway to a Lucrative Career: Becoming a Construction Estimator
In the construction industry, the role of a construction estimator is not only well-compensated but also comes with a sense of job security. So, how does one embark on the journey to become a construction estimator?
The intriguing aspect of the construction estimating profession is the lack of rigid qualifications. While having an engineering degree can be beneficial, many successful estimators have little more than a high school education. Similarly, while a decade of field experience is advantageous, there are estimators who thrive without it.
The steps to becoming a construction estimator largely depend on the specific area you wish to focus on. For instance, estimating costs for carpentry or concrete work might have less stringent requirements compared to estimating for $100 million high-rise towers or nuclear power plants.
When interviewing potential estimators, employers typically look for three key areas of credentials: Education, Experience, and Presentation.
Experience
Field experience in the type of work you aim to estimate is highly valuable. The pinnacle of experience is the ability to produce successful estimates. If you lack direct experience, it becomes crucial to excel in the other two areas: Education and Presentation.
Presentation
Presenting your professionalism is vital on multiple levels. Good estimators possess certain personality traits that some believe are as critical as formal education. These traits include an eye for detail, a solid understanding of the value of money, competitiveness, and a strong aptitude for mathematics. Additionally, estimators must be analytical, adaptable, and technically inclined. Since they often interact with clients and company management, strong people skills are essential.
We hope this brief article helps to answer the question: “How do you become a construction estimator?”
