Structural steel estimators are like quantity surveyors for fabrication shops. They specialise in producing reliable estimates of the amounts and types of steel to be used on a project and what they will cost. They prepare schedules of quantities from measurements taken from the drawings.
There is a range of career paths available to a trade qualified estimator including supervision and inspection. You might otherwise decide to open your own business or move into a quality assurance or compliance role.
Studies blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine job requirements
Produces reliable estimates and costs of the amounts and types of steel to be used
Prepares schedules of quantities from drawings and specifications produced by engineers
Orders to the specifications all the steel components needed for a project
Monitors the budget of a job, compiling progress payments and variations in payments
Attends site meetings and is involved in project management activities
There is a variety of courses and degrees that can help prepare you for a career as an estimator. Most of these courses require completion of Year 12, preferably with studies in maths.
A typical entry level position starts from $80,000 per year and with more experience and expertise can increase to $130,000 + per year*.
*Salary or wage variations may depend on region and state, industry sector or the amount of overtime worked.