A construction estimator reviews plans, specs, and drawings to perform detailed quantity takeoffs, calculating labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs. They solicit and compare bids from vendors and subs, identify scope gaps or constructability risks, and build the bid, budget, or guaranteed maximum price that goes to ownership or the project management team. After contract award, estimators manage change orders, update budgets, and support cost control through construction. Strong estimators combine takeoff and software skills with the ability to read drawings critically and manage vendor relationships. Field experience is a real advantage, especially on heavy civil, site development, data center, rail, tunnel, and wastewater projects where site conditions drive cost. Pay moves with project size and complexity, sector, years of experience, software certifications, and travel requirements. For current pay ranges by role, see our Construction Placement Pay Index at https://amundsongroup.com/construction-pay-index/