How To Become An Estimator Project Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is an estimator project manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted Expert

Neil Opfer

An estimator project manager is responsible for planning projects and preparing budgets and timelines for the work. Estimator project managers review proposals, blueprints, and other documents to estimate the necessary resources for the implementation of a project.

They collect information and estimate the amount of work to be put in, the number of workers, the necessary equipment, etc. Taking all of these factors into consideration, they make calculations to arrive at an optimized cost value. They create reports and keep track of documents and processes.

You have to be good at math and have experience in project management to be successful in this position. Spontaneous spirits are likely to run into problems here, so make sure you have an analytical mind and an affinity for detail and strategic planning.

What general advice would you give to an Estimator Project Manager?

Neil Opfer

Assoc. Professor - UNLV Civil & Environmental Engineering & Construction Department, Website

Remember that in a CM Program you have spent 4 years of your life (or more) studying books and learning the "theory of construction." But this is the start of your education and not the end. The best quote here (not from me) is "Success is a journey, not a destination." Sadly I have classmates that I graduated with years ago who, once they graduated, never cracked a book. Also remember that construction in many respects is an incredibly-varied field and you will, perhaps if working for a GC or a CM firm, never know as much as that electrician or plumber knows about their craft or that trade contractor knows about their specialty. But insofar as possible you need to learn and absorb as much as possible about these other areas. Otherwise you'll lead a life of ignorance and designers and contractors will, sadly, take advantage of your ignorance. When I was in college (1974), my Dorm President told me, "Everyone is ignorant about something but the stupid person works at being ignorant." Don't work at being ignorant. Also, respect everyone on the job from laborer, carpenter, on up because you can learn something from everyone along the way in your career. You, remember, are lucky in that as a college grad you're in the 37% or so of the U.S. population with a college degree but CM is a STEM field because of the math, physics, and construction-science coursework you take. Only 18% of the U.S. population have STEM degrees so you're in even a more select field with your technical education. But those on the construction site who did not have an opportunity to go to college may resent you or they've had bad experiences with college grads who "lorded over them" the fact that they were a college grad and the craft personnel on the job were not. Advice to a new college graduate in CM would be to remember (not original with me but a great axiom) that (1) you are hired for your technical skills, (2) promoted for your leadership/managerial skills, and (3) fired for your lack of people skills. Do a good job at whatever you do and look for opportunities to improve processes when possible. Realize that as a new grad you'll often get the jobs that more senior people don't want. Also, realize that your job is partly "paying your dues" to get the chance at more interesting jobs in the future. Learn to network with others in your firm and those at other firms including being involved in professional associations and civic/charitable work. Ensure that your supervisors know the extras (prof associations, civic work) you are doing outside of work. Finally the old adage of a "sound mind in a sound body" means to continually improve yourself on both a mental and a physical basis.

ScoreEstimator Project ManagerUS Average

Salary

5.7

Avg. Salary $73,546

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

6.3

Growth Rate -2%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.23%

Asian 4.40%

Black or African American 2.23%

Hispanic or Latino 13.44%

Unknown 3.81%

White 75.90%

Gender

female 7.55%

male 92.45%

Age - 47

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47

Stress Level

6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.7

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

3.4

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an estimator project manager

Explore estimator project manager education requirements

Most common estimator project manager degrees

Bachelor's

60.1 %

Associate

21.6 %

High School Diploma

7.6 %

Start to develop specific estimator project manager skills

Skills	Percentages
General Contractors	17.10%
Construction Projects	7.97%
Sub Contractors	6.25%
Construction Management	6.01%
Project Scope	5.27%

Complete relevant estimator project manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New estimator project managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an estimator project manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real estimator project manager resumes.

Gain additional estimator project manager certifications

Estimator project manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific estimator project manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for estimator project managers include Certified Construction Manager (CCM) and Certified Estimating Professional (CPE).

More About Certifications

Research estimator project manager duties and responsibilities

Estimate, sell and manage residential & commercial plumbing, heating and cooling systems.
Prepare RFP's, manage the distribution of, and review and analyze proposals from suppliers and vendors daily.
Supervise employees to achieve maximum quality control and customer satisfaction.Employee HR management, inventory control, payroll and expense management.
Assist other project managers and design cad drafter with projects.

Prepare your estimator project manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your estimator project manager resume.

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