Being an electrical estimator can be a very rewarding job, According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of an electrical estimator was $64,040 in 2019. However, if you stay in the industry between 5 to 10 years, that salary can be as high as $150,000 a year. .
Training and Education Requirements
Though there is not a specific degree program available in electrical or cost estimating, many schools offer courses in cost estimation as part of their construction management or engineering programs. Obtaining a degree in electrical engineering or the construction sciences can also prove beneficial to electrical estimators wanting to gain entry into this career path.
Optionally, going to a technical school and gaining experience working as an electrician can also be helpful. Experienced electricians can become electrical estimators, since they have a basis for understanding many of the costs associated with electrical construction work.
Certification:
Prospective electrical estimators may also consider earning voluntary professional certification from the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) or the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACE). The ASPE focuses on construction cost estimation certification and the AACE offer certifications in several disciplines. Certification from these organizations requires 2-8 years of experience and passing a written exam.
No education is necessarily required for electrical estimators, but familiarity with electrical engineering is a plus when being considered for hire. Electrical estimators earn a median salary of $64,040 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. While no outlook data is provided specifically for electrical estimators, all cost estimators are expected to see a 9% increase in job opportunities.