What is the typical salary for a takeoff estimator?

[AgtekGuru]

I started working as a takeoff estimator around 2 years ago and have been using AGTEK 3D and Materials 3D the entire time. It doesn't seem like there is a standard description or salary ladder for a takeoff estimator.

I have two companies trying to lure me to work for them doing takeoffs and alot more added into the mix but fusturated and not sure how to negotiate with them due to the fact that you can't just look on salary.com and see the average salary for my position.

Does anyone out there know what the starting and top level pay rate is for a takeoff estimator? Or give me an idea what you get or what you pay?

I would greatly appreciate this.

 

[LCruiser]

What exactly do you mean by "takeoff estimator"? Do you do takeoffs and figure haul costs, phasing, base and pavement etc., or do you just do takeoffs and give the numbers to an estimator? It depends on where you live, but somebody that just does takeoffs is not worth nearly what an estimator makes. Somebody that just does takeoffs is worth about what a beginning engineer makes, but an accomplished and talented estimator can easily make double that. Then again, a talented estimator in a fair sized estimating shop is going to have someone doing the takeoffs for them - which is not to say you can't work your way up, as long as you have field experience.

 

[LHA]

Echo LCruiser, but I add that if you only have 2 years, you probably can not be an experienced estimator...this skill is more are than science, and takes decades to acquire.

I have been out of college for 10 years AND worked construction for 10 before that, and I still screw up estimating occasionally.

We have a separate department which does ours. The youngest estimator looks about 50+ years old. They are good, and I'll bet they make a lot, but not 2-years into it.

And, yes, also per LCruiser, entry/mid-level EITs do their material take-offs for them.

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