this Q's for civil E's and architects?

Question

I posted here because I figured the most civils and architects would see it. The question is about salary. I have a degree in Electrical Engineering, and I am about to receive an offer for a job as a Cost Estimator for a very large Tile, stone, and Terrazo contractor, the third largest in the U.S. It is an entry level job that I have no previous experience employment experience with, nor do I have any previous Engineering job experience. The basic job duties include:
reviewing bid offers from companies, researching the blueprints and specifications and standards, using computers to estimate the area layouts, quantities of tile or stone needed, cost of tile and stone as well as grout and other sealing materials, costs of labor, and the logistics of completing the project(how are we going to get the materials in/out of the building,where to store parts, etc..), Do any of you guys know cost estimators that do similar work, and what salary do they think would be appropriate for this job?

Answer 1

I know that you asked this question to Architects and Civil Engineers, but this is more a contractor question, so I'm going to give you an answer (since I am one).

The job you are describing is an Estimator's position. You would be responsible for doing materials takeoffs, estimating the price for supplying and installing the work, and submitting proposals to General Contractors (guys like me). You may also, in time, be responsible for cultivating contacts from the materials suppliers side, and seeking new projects to bid on.

This particular position, if you are fresh out of college, would typically pay between $35k to $50k per year, perhaps a bit more if you are in a high cost of living area (e.g. Chicago, New York, LA, etc.). Since you have an EE degree, I would think that the amount is on the higher end. Benefits are required - health, dental, life insurance, 401K / retirement program. The benefits are not a part of your salary, they should be considered separate. Bonuses may also figure into the compensation - many estimators I know get fairly large bonuses based upon the jobs they successfully bid and the profit margin they estimate into the job.

It doesn't matter that you don't have any previous experience regarding estimating - this company will teach you everything you need to know.

The closely guarded secret about engineering is that most people who graduate with a degree in engineering end up working for a construction firm. So, this is not a unique or uncommon situation. In fact, when hiring on people (be they estimators, project managers, or project engineers), I prefer a degree in engineering or Construction Management.

This career path can be a good one for you over the long run, however, I agree with the poster above: EE's are in demand in this country, so unless you don't like Electrical Engineering (and I know alot of people who hold sparky degrees and have no desire to design for the rest of their life), I would consider a career in your degree field.

If you are having trouble finding a firm that you like, I would suggest some companies that are large, but are usually overlooked, such as Bechtel, Raytheon, SAIC, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrup Grumman, Electric Boat, to name a few. These companies do different work that is one of a kind, and you may find the challenge rewarding.

Answer 2

Make sure you don't just look at short term salary. Engineering is a profession where experience counts; your salary grows with practice and licensing. If you are an EE with no civil/architecture experience or any licensing, they could be using you for no long term gain for their company. Other civil/arch companies won't hire you on experience alone, they will want the degree's and licensing to back it up. Stick with EE and your salary will grow over the years and I could bet on it that your EE salary would be larger than what this company will pay you. If you spend 10 years at this company and your a fresh graduate and they dump you, and you have no choice but to go back to EE, the EE companies will hire you on a "fresh out of school" salary and your 10 years experience will mean nothing. Be careful.

Answer 3

I say you would be much better off getting a job with Microsoft unless you hate EE. Electrical Engineers are not in low demand, and the job you are describing is very loosely connected to CEE or Architecture. This stuff can be done by a technician with 2 years of schooling.

I am not sure what the salary is for this job, but I would recommend searching for a better job if money is your concern. I am sure that a EE job will get you more, unless you stumbled across a fluke.

Answer 4

If you are doing this as short term to gain some broad experience, I say go for it. But keep in mind, the PE license is what opens the doors for you career-wise. This will probably not count towards qualifying experience for the PE exam.

Answer 5

This job would be a total waste of your engineering degree and education. Forget it.
The duties youare describing do not require your level of education and if you take it you will soon find yourself obsolete and locked out of getting other jobs in electrical engineering because you will not be developing any engineering skills.