The average salary for a Construction Estimator is $71,271 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 1300 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Construction Estimator employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Construction Estimator in United States is $86,178 per year.

The lowest salary for a Construction Estimator in United States is $59,508 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Construction Estimator or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Construction Estimator.

Construction estimators have an immense responsibility to accurately quote projects that can cost millions of dollars. Considering their value, 73% of current estimators are satisfied with their salary and report earning up to $18,628.14 in annual bonuses, profit sharing, and client tips.

Setting out on the construction estimator career path often starts with a salary around $64,033.16 before averaging out to $76,945.98 once you have a foothold in the industry. Depending on how quickly you advance, you could start earning a base salary up to $145,320.25 within your company. Take commissions and stock options into account, and you can possibly earn up to $95,574.12.

It's common for a construction estimator career to require a Bachelor's degree in project management or a related field to start earning more money. When the time comes for you to apply to your first or next job, see what skills are currently being sought after in the job market to know what your experience and training could demand. Expanding your degree to a graduate level can help increase your pay, but finding a specialty within the industry can quickly drive your value and salary up with current and future employers.

Negotiation skills are a strong asset to have when applying for construction estimator jobs, both for getting a higher pay rate and working with vendors or contractors during estimates. Compare salary offers from job postings you see to gain a current perspective on what you could earn with various companies. Take this information with you into negotiations and present it with something similar to "I've found that my skills and experience are currently worth this amount in the active job market." If you have previous experience, share the results of your work and how they apply to the new position you're negotiating for.