Why this resume works
- Quantifies accomplishments: By quantifying accomplishments such as saving 15% on project costs, the applicant showcases tangible impact and value.
- Highlights industry-specific skills: Expertise in cost estimation and contract analysis highlights industry-specific skills, demonstrating a strong fit for roles within construction management.
- Uses action-oriented language: Action verbs such as “drafted” and “initiated” convey initiative and effectiveness.
More Construction Estimator Resume Examples
Want to stand out in the construction industry? Review these construction estimator resume examples to learn how to highlight your skills in cost estimation, project management, and attention to detail.
Certified crane operator
Why this resume works
- Centers on academic background: Listing their higher education in mechanical engineering and management emphasizes how formal training built a strong technical foundation early in the applicant’s career.
- Uses keywords effectively: Including industry-specific keywords like crane safety and heavy equipment operation boosts the resume’s visibility in ATS screening processes.
- Shows leadership: The candidate shows their leadership ability by mentioning that they led a team in a crane upgrade project while implementing a safety protocol that reduced incidents. Wins like these help candidates stand out.
Safety officer
Why this resume works
- Points to measurable outcomes: By detailing a 15% reduction in safety incidents, the applicant illustrates their capacity to drive substantial improvements in workplace safety and compliance.
- Demonstrates language abilities: The applicant’s language skills in Spanish, French, and German helps them facilitate cross-cultural communication within diverse teams.
- Displays technical expertise: Showing their CSP certification and degrees signals to employer’s that the candidate is well-qualified for the role.
Carpenter
Why this resume works
- Focuses on work history: Using a chronological resume showcases the applicant’s extensive work history, emphasizing their steady career progression and expertise in roles from a joiner to a carpenter.
- Uses active language: The candidate starts every bullet point with an active verb like “constructed” and “designed,” which makes their responsibilities and accomplishments clear and tangible.
- Emphasizes leadership skills: The applicant’s leadership skills shine through experiences such as leading renovation projects and improving team productivity, highlighting their ability to manage and inspire effectively.
Construction Estimator Resume Template (Text Version)
Daniel Brown
Jersey City, NJ 07309
(555) 555-5555
Daniel.Brown@example.com
Professional Summary
Experienced construction estimator skilled in cost analysis and budgeting. Proven success in enhancing project efficiency and reducing costs by 20%. Strong background in civil engineering and construction management.
Work History
Construction Estimator
Precision Build Corp – Jersey City, NJ
January 2023 – June 2025
- Drafted estimates, saving 15% in project costs
- Analyzed bids, improving accuracy by 20%
- Collaborated with teams on five multi-year projects
Cost Engineer
Harbor Constructions – Jersey City, NJ
February 2021 – December 2022
- Reduced waste expenses by 12% annually
- Initiated budget protocols for three projects
- Coordinated contractor schedules efficiently
Project Cost Analyst
Foundation Builders – Maplewood, NJ
January 2019 – January 2021
- Forecasted project finance needs with 85% accuracy
- Collaborated in reducing errors by 18%
- Managed cost analyses for four key sites
Languages
- Spanish – Intermediate (B1)
- French – Intermediate (B2)
- German – Advanced (C1)
Skills
- Cost estimation
- Budget management
- Project coordination
- Contract analysis
- Data analysis
- Bidding process
- Construction documentation
- Risk assessment
Certifications
- Certified Professional Estimator – Construction Estimating Institute
- Project Management Professional – Project Management Institute
Education
Master’s in Construction Management
University of Washington – Seattle, WA
June 2018
Bachelor’s Civil Engineering
Washington State University – Pullman, WA
May 2016
Related Resume Guides
Advice for Writing Your Construction Estimator Resume
Dive into our tips on how to write a resume tailored for a construction estimator role and discover how to highlight your expertise in estimating project costs and managing budgets. Learn strategies to spotlight your skills and experience that set you apart in the construction industry.
Highlight relevant technical skills
For a construction estimator, technical skills are key to success. These skills help you figure out the cost of building projects and keep everything on budget. Include a section in your resume just for technical skills or highlight them in your work experience to make it easy for employers to see what you can do.
Common technical skills for this role include:
- Using estimating software like ProEst or PlanSwift
- Understanding blueprints
- Knowing cost analysis and project management tools
- Being good with numbers and spreadsheets
- Managing budgets and costs
- Knowing about materials, labor costs, and industry standards
When writing about your technical skills, be specific about what you’ve used in past jobs. For example, mention any software programs you’re familiar with and how they’ve helped you complete projects efficiently.
This shows employers that you’re ready to tackle the demands of the job right away. By clearly listing these skills, you’ll stand out as a well-prepared construction estimator.
Example of a technical skills section
- Construction estimating software (PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu, Procore)
- Cost estimation and analysis
- Project scheduling and management
- Quantity takeoff procedures
- Blueprint reading and interpretation
- Building information modeling (BIM)
- Microsoft Excel for data analysis
- Value engineering techniques
Show off your soft skills on your resume, such as leadership, adaptability, and teamwork—these skills help you stand out in any job!
Quantify your accomplishments
Quantifying accomplishments in a resume makes it more compelling than simply listing job responsibilities. For a construction estimator, it’s important to show what you achieved rather than just what you did.
Each entry in the work experience section should include your job title, employer name, location, and employment dates, followed by three to five job responsibilities and achievements. Turn your duties into achievements by focusing on measurable results like percentages, time savings, cost reductions, or efficiency improvements.
Using action verbs and metrics creates a results-driven resume. This helps hiring managers quickly assess your impact and skills. For example, instead of saying “responsible for estimating costs,” say “reduced project costs by 15% through accurate estimates.” Quantified accomplishments make it easier for them to see how you can benefit their team and contribute to future projects.
When writing about your experience as a construction estimator, focus on specific outcomes you’ve achieved. Highlight how you improved efficiency or saved money on projects. This makes your resume stand out and shows that you’re not just performing tasks but driving results that matter to potential employers.
5 construction estimator work history bullet points
- Prepared detailed cost estimates for 30+ multi-million dollar construction projects annually, achieving a cost variance of less than 2%.
- Negotiated with suppliers and subcontractors to secure contracts worth $5 million, reducing overall project costs by 10%.
- Implemented a new estimating software, decreasing estimate preparation time by 25% and improving accuracy.
- Collaborated with project managers to forecast budget requirements, leading to a 15% increase in on-time project completions.
- Conducted site visits to assess project conditions and gather data, resulting in more accurate bidding and a win rate increase of 12%.
Get great ideas for your resume by checking out professional resume examples. They show you how to organize and highlight your skills like a pro.
Write a powerful professional summary
A professional summary is a short introduction to hiring managers. It helps them quickly understand who you are and what you bring to the table. When writing your resume, you can choose between a professional summary or a resume objective. Both serve as ways to grab attention right at the start.
A professional summary is a short paragraph that highlights your experience, skills, and achievements. It’s best for applicants with plenty of work history. To write an engaging professional summary, mention your years of experience, two or three key skills, and an accomplishment.
On the other hand, resume objectives are statements about career goals. They’re great for people just starting out, switching careers, or dealing with gaps in their work history. While summaries focus on “what I’ve accomplished,” objectives lean more toward “what I aim to contribute.”
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at examples of both summaries and objectives tailored to different experience levels.
Construction estimator resume summary examples
Entry-level
Recent graduate with a bachelor of science in construction management and a keen interest in cost estimation. Completed internships focusing on project estimation for residential buildings and familiar with industry-standard software such as Bluebeam and PlanSwift. Holds OSHA 10 certification and eager to contribute analytical skills to support accurate budgeting and successful project completions.
Mid-career
Construction estimator with over seven years of experience in commercial construction, known for precise cost assessments and budget management. Proficient in using advanced estimating software like Sage Estimating and BIM 360. Successfully managed budgets for projects exceeding $5 million, ensuring adherence to timeframes and costs while maintaining quality standards. Strong communicator skilled at collaborating across teams to optimize resource allocation.
Experienced
Senior construction estimator with more than 15 years in the industry, specializing in large-scale infrastructure projects. Expert in value engineering, risk analysis, and lifecycle costing, leading teams to develop strategic cost-saving solutions that improve profitability. Proven track record of spearheading estimations for multimillion-dollar urban development projects from conceptual phase through completion, driving continuous improvement initiatives that streamline operations.
Construction estimator resume objective examples
Entry-level
Detail-oriented entry-level construction estimator with a background in construction management and strong analytical skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic construction firm by providing accurate cost estimates, budget analysis, and project planning support.
Career changer
Resourceful professional transitioning from real estate into construction estimating, bringing excellent negotiation skills and a keen eye for detail. Seeking to leverage experience in property evaluation and market analysis to deliver precise cost assessments and improve project efficiency.
Recent graduate
Ambitious recent graduate with a degree in civil engineering aspiring to start a career as a construction estimator. Committed to applying technical knowledge and CAD skills to assist in developing accurate project budgets and fostering effective collaboration among project teams.
Opt for a resume template that’s clean and organized, using simple fonts and layouts. Steer clear of flashy designs or colors that distract from your skills and job history.
Showcase your credentials
In the field of construction estimation, listing your certifications, licenses, and specialized training can make a big difference when applying for jobs. These credentials show that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle technical tasks.
They also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in your field. Creating a dedicated “Certifications” section on your resume helps showcase these important qualifications more effectively than if they were just included in the education section.
- Certified Professional Estimator (CPE)
- LEED Accredited Professional
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Associate Constructor (AC)
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety
Having relevant certifications can set you apart from other applicants by proving that you are well-prepared for the role of construction estimator.
These credentials provide employers with confidence in your ability to perform complex tasks efficiently. Listing them prominently ensures they catch the eye of hiring managers.
Example of a certifications section
Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
Issued by: Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
Issued 2022
LEED Green Associate
Issued by: U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
Expires 2026
Cost Estimator Certification (CEC)
Issued by: American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE)
Issued 2021
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Issued by: Project Management Institute (PMI)
Expires 2026
OSHA 30-Hour Construction Training
Issued by: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Issued 2023
When listing your certifications, include either the issue date or expiration date to show that your credential is current.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my construction estimator resume?
Yes, including a cover letter with your construction estimator resume can give you an edge in the hiring process.
A cover letter lets you highlight your specific skills and experience, such as skill in cost estimation software or successful project bids you’ve managed.
You can also use it to express why you’re particularly interested in the company or projects they handle, like sustainable building initiatives or large-scale commercial developments.
Consider using tools like a Cover Letter Generator to craft one that complements your resume by providing structure and content ideas tailored for your field.
Additionally, exploring cover letter examples can provide inspiration and ensure yours effectively communicates your strengths and enthusiasm.
How long should a construction estimator’s resume be?
For a construction estimator, a one-page resume usually works to show key skills like cost estimation, project management, and software know-how. If you have lots of experience or special certifications for complex projects, a two-page resume could be worth it.
To keep your resume short, focus on recent achievements and roles that show your expertise in accurate estimates and project success. Every detail should highlight your fit for the specific position.
For more detailed insights, check out our guide on how long a resume should be.
How do you write a construction estimator resume with no experience?
If you’re new to the field, focus your construction estimator resume on transferable skills, education, and related experiences that show your potential for success. For detailed advice, check out this guide on creating a resume with no experience.
- Highlight relevant coursework: If you studied construction management, engineering, or a similar field, list classes like cost estimation, project planning, or blueprint reading. Include any academic projects where you analyzed costs or managed budgets.
- Showcase transferable skills: Skills like attention to detail, math skill, problem-solving, and familiarity with software such as Excel or estimating tools can be important. Mention instances where you’ve demonstrated these abilities in school or part-time work.
- Include internships or volunteer work: Even short-term roles assisting contractors or participating in building projects can add credibility. Focus on tasks like measuring materials, reviewing plans, or tracking expenses.
- Add certifications and training: Highlight certifications like OSHA safety training or courses on construction technology that make you more appealing to employers.
Tailoring your resume to emphasize these points can help demonstrate you’re ready to grow into the role of a construction estimator.
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Construction Estimator
Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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