Estimator

Estimators assess the cost of construction and engineering projects, helping organisations prepare and win bids and deliver work on time and within budget

As an estimator, you'll analyse drawings and specifications, gather quotes from suppliers and contractors, and liaise with clients and project teams to determine how much a project will cost to meet the client's needs. You'll then prepare and submit detailed bids, competing against other firms to win contracts. While price is important, quality, safety and sustainability are also key considerations.

In addition to preparing accurate cost estimates, you may help produce reports that support bids and demonstrate value for money. Estimators play a vital role in ensuring projects are financially viable and align with design and performance requirements.

You could work for construction companies, engineering consultancies, manufacturers or local authorities, contributing to projects such as schools, hospitals, housing developments, bridges and renewable energy sites. These projects vary in scale and complexity - from short-term builds to major infrastructure developments lasting several years.

Estimators are sometimes called:

• construction estimators
• cost estimators
• cost engineers
• cost planners.

Responsibilities

As an estimator, you'll typically need to:

• prepare and analyse cost estimates for construction projects, ensuring budgets stay on track
• identify and recommend ways to reduce costs without compromising quality
• compile bids and tenders for new work
• calculate the cost of materials, transport, labour and equipment hire
• obtain quotes from sub-contractors and suppliers for all required work
• set and review labour costs in line with current market rates
• collate detailed price lists and produce a cost summary for each project
• clarify the client's needs and expectations
• read technical drawings and take accurate measurements
• use relevant software such as Microsoft Excel, Word, Bluebeam or Autodesk DWG TrueView
• follow all health and safety and risk assessment requirements
• keep up to date with changes in inflation, exchange rates and project timescales
• stay informed about the latest construction methods and technology
• visit sites to gather information and check progress
• liaise with construction managers, planners, engineers and design teams
• present bids or estimates to clients and answer their questions
• prepare quality submissions and cost reports for approval
• prepare and submit final quotations for work.

Salary

• Newly trained estimators usually earn start on salaries of £22,000 to £25,000.
• Experienced estimators can earn between £31,000 and £55,000.
• At an advanced level, working as a senior, lead or managing estimator, you can expect a salary of up to around £60,000 to £70,000, and in a few cases even higher

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

The role usually involves working around 37 to 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, though you may need to work extra hours at busy times when a project or bid deadline is approaching.

You'll spend most of your time in an office but will also visit sites and meet clients to gather information and check progress.

Overnight stays are uncommon but may occasionally be required for larger or more distant projects.

What to expect

• Estimating (and the construction industry as a whole) continues to be male-dominated, but this is gradually changing. Many employers are actively working to improve diversity and inclusion. Willmott Dixon, for example, aims to achieve gender parity across its workforce by 2030. Organisations such as Women into Construction Hub and Randstad also promote gender equality, supporting women to enter the industry and helping employers recruit and retain more women.
• The bids you submit won't always be successful, so you'll need resilience and a positive attitude to learn from setbacks and move on to the next opportunity.
• You'll work closely with project managers, quality assurance teams, architects and tradespeople, so strong teamwork and communication skills are essential.
• Although you'll spend some time visiting clients and construction sites, most of your work is desk-based. Tasks include researching materials and costs, liaising with suppliers and preparing tenders and bids. When you do go on site, you'll need to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Some site or contract managers may expect you to hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. You can check CSCS for details on eligibility and how to apply.

Qualifications

Although you don't need formal qualifications to start out as an estimator, GCSEs or equivalent at grades 9-4 (A*-C) in science, IT, technology, English and maths are useful.

You could also work towards an NVQ Level 3, HNC, HND or a degree in areas such as:

• construction or project managementÌý
• quantity surveyingÌý
• building surveying
• structural engineeringÌý
• civil engineering.

A popular route into the profession is through a degree apprenticeship completed with a construction or engineering company. For example, the Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician or Level 6 Quantity Surveying Degree Apprenticeship. You can find more information about apprenticeships and how to apply fromÌýGo ConstructÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýEngineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB).

Skills

You'll need to be:Ìý

• highly proficient in numeracy and confident handling financial data
• good at negotiating with clients, suppliers and contractors
• able to plan and manage projects effectively
• a good leader and motivator when managing a team or mentoring junior staff
• detail-orientated when reviewing technical drawings, specifications and material costs
• proficient at time management and able to work under pressure and to deadlines
• commercially aware of the construction process, costs and market conditions
• excellent at problem solving and able to think creatively to reduce costs or improve efficiency
• analytically minded, with the ability to carry out cost breakdowns and financial analysis
• a team player who can also work independently when required
• confident in presenting estimates and reports to clients and colleagues
• organised and methodical in approach
• highly adaptable, able to respond quickly when project requirements or budgets change
• proficient in using Microsoft Excel and other digital tools such as Bluebeam, CostX or Autodesk software
• good at maintaining accurate records and documentation
• an effective communicator, both verbally and in writing
• aware of the importance of data accuracy and confidentiality
• assertive, resilient and able to handle competing priorities calmly.

Work experience

Work experience is highly valued if you want to become an estimator. Employers usually look for candidates who understand how construction projects are managed and have some knowledge of the industry.

Completing relevant work experience, a summer placement or a year in industry during your studies can be a great way to develop these skills and build useful contacts.

Starting out in an entry-level role such as a project administrator or assistant within a construction firm can provide a good foundation for moving into estimating. You could also progress into this area from a technical or trade background, for example as a craftsperson, technician, site operative or surveying assistant.

Employers

Estimators usually work in the private sector, employed by main contractors, sub-contractors or specialist consultancies. Some also work as independent consultants or within project management teams.

The main employers of estimators include:

• construction and property development companies
• civil and structural engineering firms
• building services and MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) providers
• infrastructure and transport groups
• consultancy and project management firms
• facilities management and maintenance companies
• specialist highway and rail contractors
• carpentry, joinery and interior fit-out sub-contractors
• architecture and design practices.

Look for job vacancies at:Ìý

• GOV.UK Find a Job
• RICS Recruit
• Careers in Construction (CiC)
• Career StructureÌý
• The Construction IndexÌý

Professional development

Once you've secured a job as an estimator, you'll continue to undertake training and professional development throughout your career. Many employers provide structured on-the-job training, but you may also be encouraged to complete additional qualifications or certifications to build your skills.

This could include:

• NVQ or Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations (Estimating) at Levels 3 and 4
• NVQ in Project Controls (Levels 3 and 4)
• Level 4 Certificate or Diploma in Site Management.

You can also work towards professional recognition through membership of industry bodies such as the Controls & Skills Authority, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) or the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).

As your experience grows, you may wish to pursue chartered status with CIOB or RICS. Achieving this demonstrates your professional competence and can open doors to senior roles such as senior estimator, commercial manager or project manager.

Although not essential, you may also choose to take postgraduate qualifications such as an MSc in Construction Project and Cost Management, Quantity Surveying or Construction Management, which can support career progression into senior estimating or project management roles.

Career prospects

Estimating is covered within many higher education courses related to construction, engineering and project management. However, relatively few graduates choose to specialise in this area, meaning that demand for skilled estimators remains strong and career prospects are generally good.

After finishing your studies, you'll usually start as an assistant estimator, trainee estimator or junior quantity surveyor, gaining hands-on experience with pricing, tendering and project costs. With around two to three years of experience, you can progress into a fully qualified estimator role.

As you gain further experience, you may move into senior or lead estimator positions, or progress to roles such as project manager, contracts manager or commercial manager. Some estimators also choose to specialise in cost control, procurement or project planning, or move into consultancy or freelance work.