Welding Estimator is a skilled professional who accurately assesses the costs associated with welding and fabrication projects. They analyze factors like project specifications, materials, labor requirements, and other variables to prepare competitive cost estimates. Welding Estimators play a crucial role in the manufacturing and construction industries by providing cost estimates for welding projects. These individuals work closely with project managers, engineers, and clients to ensure the projects’ financial feasibility and completion within budget. This helps organizations to make sound financial decisions. The role requires certain qualifications and experience for professional success. So, let us dive into the details of the welding estimator job description.
Post Highlights:
- Position Levels
- Education Level
- Course Types
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Equipment Types
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Physical Requirements
- Resume Format
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Position Levels
Some common job levels include-
Entry-Level Welding Estimator
- Junior Welding Estimator
- Estimating Assistant
- Trainee Estimator
Intermediate Welding Estimator
- Welding Estimator II
- Estimator
Senior Welding Estimator
- Senior Welding Estimator
- Lead Estimator
Chief Estimator
- Chief Estimator
- Estimating Manager
Director of Estimating
- Director of Estimating
- Chief Estimating Officer (CEO)
Education Level
Typical education levels include-
- High School Diploma or GED
- Associate’s Degree (welding technology, construction management, engineering technology)
- Bachelor’s Degree (engineering, construction management, welding engineering)
- Relevant Certifications/Training Programs
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Blueprint Reading Courses
- Computer-Aided Estimating Software Training Program
- Construction Management Courses
- Cost Estimation/Quantity Surveying Courses
- Industry-Specific Workshops/Seminars
- Mathematics/Statistics Courses
- On-the-job training/Mentoring
- Professional Estimating Association Membership (such as ASPE)
- Project Management Courses
- Welding Inspector Certification Courses
- Welding Technology Courses
Certification/License
Some common certification types include-
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification by CMAA
- Certified Cost Professional (CCP) certification by AACEI
- Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) certification by ASPE
- Certified Professional in Engineering Management (CPEM) by ASEM
- Certified Welding Educator (CWE) certification by AWS
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification by AWS
- Certified Welding Sales Representative (CWSR) certification AWS
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification by PMI
Work Experience
Some key experience types include-
- Blueprint Reading Experience
- Documentation/Record-Keeping Experience
- Estimating Experience
- Estimating Software Proficiency
- Industry-Specific Knowledge
- Leadership/Mentorship Experience
- Project Management Experience
- Suppliers/Subcontractors Interaction Experience
- Welding/Fabrication Experience
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Calculate the quantity and cost of materials required
- Collaborate with clients to understand their project goals
- Collaborate with subcontractors and suppliers
- Conduct cost analysis by collecting and researching data
- Determine the labor hours and associated costs
- Ensure that all cost estimates comply with relevant standards
- Estimate the costs of specialized machinery and equipment
- Explore cost-saving alternatives
- Identify potential challenges and risks
- Maintain organized records of all project-related documents
- Maintain relationships with key suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors
- Monitor project costs throughout the project’s lifecycle
- Prepare/present cost reports and analysis
- Prepare comprehensive/competitive bids
- Provide guidance to team members or junior estimators
- Report work discrepancies with project managers
- Review project plans, drawings, and specifications
- Stay updated with new industry trends
- Use specialized estimating software
- Work closely with project managers
Equipment Types
Some common equipment include-
- 3D Scanning Equipment (for complex projects)
- Calculators/Spreadsheet Software
- Communication Tools
- Computers/Laptops
- Digital Blueprints/CAD Software
- Digital Measuring Tools
- Document Management Systems
- Estimating Software
- Internet Access
- Mobile Devices
- Office Equipment
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Photocopiers/Scanners
- Photography Equipment
- Plotting Equipment
- Project Management Software
- Welding Reference Materials
Abilities/Skills
Some key skills include-
- Analytical thinking skills
- Attention to detail
- Blueprint reading skills
- Computer proficiency
- Commitment to ethical practices
- Communication skills
- Continuous learning temperament
- Cost estimation skills
- Familiarity with various types of metals
- Financial acumen
- Knowledge of welding codes
- Leadership skills
- Negotiation skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Project management skills
- Research conducting skills
- Risk assessment ability
- Strong mathematical abilities
- Team collaboration skills
- Time management skills
- Understanding of welding processes
- Work adaptability/flexibility
Work Environment
Some common working conditions include-
- Adhere to safety regulations
- Collaborate with project team members
- Interact with suppliers both in person and electronically
- Most work is performed in an office setting
- Most of the work involves desk-based tasks
- May need to work extra during bid preparation
- May need to travel to visit project sites
- May need to work in various weather conditions
- Meet with clients both in the office or at their location
- Occasionally, may need to visit project sites
- Often work under tight deadlines
- Pend time in research and data analysis
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
Physical Requirements
Some common physical demands include-
- Adhere to safety regulations
- May be exposed to varying environmental conditions
- May need to bend/kneel to examine project details
- May need to lift/carry project things
- May need to walk/stand for extended periods
- May require driving to travel to project sites
- May subject to manual labor
- Wear appropriate PPE
- Work may involve climbing ladders, and stairs
- Work requires physical coordination and dexterity
Resume Format
A suggested resume format includes-
Contact Information
- Your Full Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Location (city and state)
Summary/Objective (Optional)
- Write your career goals, and skills briefly
- Make it tailored to the specific job you applying for
Professional Experience
- Start with your most recent job
- Include the following details for each position-
Job Title
Company Name
Dates of Employment
Responsibilities/Achievements
Education
- List your educational background-
Degree Name
School Name
Location (city and state)
Graduation Date (month and year)
Certifications (if applicable)
- Mention any relevant certifications
Skills
- highlight your technical and soft skills
Achievements/Awards (Optional)
- Mention any notable awards, achievements, or recognitions
Professional Memberships (Optional)
- Mention if you are a member of professional organizations
References
- Generally, not necessary (produce upon request)
Resume Formatting Tips-
- Ensure no grammatical errors and typos
- Keep your resume short (1-2 pages)
- Organize your information properly
- Save your resume as a PDF
- Use a clean and professional font size (11 or 12 points)
- Use headings and bullet points for easy readability
Top Industries
Some common employment areas include-
- Aerospace/Defense Industries
- Automotive Industry
- Construction Industry
- Consulting/Estimating Services
- Contracting/Subcontracting Agencies
- Energy/Power Generation Companies
- Engineering Consulting Firms
- Government Agencies (transportation/public works)
- Manufacturing/Fabrication Facilities
- Mining/Minerals Processing Companies
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Renewable Energy Sector
- Shipbuilding/Maritime Companies
- Structural Steel/Metalworking Shops
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Business Development Manager
- Chief Estimator
- Consulting Estimator
- Cost Control Analyst
- Cost Engineer
- Educator/Trainer
- Estimating Manager/Director
- Estimating Software Specialist
- Project Estimator
- Quality Control/Assurance Specialist
- Risk Analyst
- Sales Representative (welding equipment/supplies)
- Senior Welding Estimator
- Welding Estimator
Salary Information
The average hourly wage of a Welding Estimator in the United States is $25. But the factors like education, experience, certification, location, company size, and employer type affect salary trends.
However, the approximate salary ranges for Welding Estimators include.
Hourly Wage
- Entry-level Welding Estimator – $18 to $30
- Experienced Welding Estimator – $30 to $50 or more
Monthly Salary
- Entry-level Welding Estimator – $3,000 to $5,000
- Experienced Welding Estimator – $5,000 to $8,000 or more
Yearly Salary
- Entry-level Welding Estimator – $36,000 to $60,000
- Experienced Welding Estimator – $60,000 to $100,000 or more
These salary ranges are just estimates, actual figures can vary from place to place depending on various local factors and market trends. Additionally, the high-demand sectors such as oil and gas or aerospace may provide more salary.
Benefits/Perks
Some common benefits include-
- Bonus/Incentive Programs
- Company Discounts
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- Health Insurance
- Life/Disability Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Profit Sharing Programs
- Relocation Assistance
- Retirement Plans (401k)
- Transit/Parking Benefits
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Wellness Programs
Summary
Welding Estimators play a vital role in various industries by estimating the costs of welding and fabrication projects. They require a combination of mathematical skills, technical knowledge, and communication abilities. They handle functions like cost analysis, project evaluation, bid preparation, and collaboration with suppliers, clients, and project managers. Welding Estimators work in diverse environments, both in offices and on-site. They fetch smart salaries depending on their respective qualifications. Besides this, they obtain various job benefits and perks. Overall, Welding Estimators contribute to the successful execution of welding projects and are essential for achieving cost-effective and financially viable welding projects.
