Estimators analyze blueprints, specifications and related documents and gather proposals to determine job cost. In analyzing the labor, material, procurement of materials, and time required, estimators determine the total cost of a construction project.

Skills Needed – Estimators must be strong critical thinkers, with good math skills, strong communication skills, analytical, organized, team players, detail oriented, independent, and knowledgeable of how construction processes work.

Employment Opportunities – BLS states there are 17,800 openings for estimators each year from 2020 – 2030 with many current estimators retiring. The industry currently employs 199,400 estimators and expects needs to grow to 200,600.  Most cost estimators work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

Pay – California employs the most estimators 25,330 with an annual mean wage of $83,150, Texas employs 16,500 estimators making $73,150, Florida is the third largest state employing estimators with 12,940 making a mean salary of $65,350.  Employment of cost estimators, by state. 

CLASSES THAT SUPPORT ESTIMATORS

Construction Supervisors manage the crews on the jobsite. Supervisors plan, coordinate and supervise work on site, oversee subcontractors, solve disputes, monitor and adjust the schedule, evaluate estimates, implement change orders, assign jobs, interface with inspectors, buyers, and crew members, assert and maintain protocols, enforce and fulfill building codes.  Other specific skills may change by industry sector.

Skills Needed –The role of construction supervisor requires skills in communication, managing teams, contracts, problem solving, planning and scheduling, maximizing productivity, leadership, motivation, and risk management.

Employment Opportunities –There are currently over 403,800 construction supervisors in the United States. 2.3 million project managers and construction supervisors are needed to meet the demand of the industry by 2030, a 13.2% increase from 2019.This demand may not be filled unless a culture of continual learning is established by industry organizations and employers, reports TechRepublic.

Pay – Entry level Construction Supervisors can make $50,0000 annually. Experienced Construction Supervisors can make $75,000 to $85,000 annually.

Additional resources:
How much Money Does a Supervisor at a Job Site Make? 
The Demand for the Construction Superintendent

CLASSES THAT SUPPORT CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISORS

Project Managers manage the finances, procedures, people, contracts, and the plan for construction. They communicate with the owner, architecture team, engineering team, solve a wide variety of problems, and manage any outstanding disputes on the jobsite
The demand for construction project managers is increasing much faster than average through 2030.

Skills Needed –Project Managers need strong communication skills, plan reading, critical thinking and problem solving skills, a deep understanding of construction, finance, technology, organization, contracts, planning, equipment selection, management of different contractual obligations, policies, protocols, inspections, and procedures.

Employment Opportunities – There are currently 448,000 Project Managers with 38,900 openings projected each year from 2020 – 2030 as current PMs retire, and the industry continues to grow, and population rises.

National, state, and local governments’ needs are increasing for roads, bridges, sewer pipe systems are improved and subterranean systems are repaired and replaced. Retrofitting buildings is an ongoing need as our collective attention is on efficiency, sustainability and upgrading buildings to function as time goes on.

Pay – The average salary for a Construction Project Manager is $97,180.

CLASSES THAT SUPPORT PROJECT MANAGERS