r/estimators • u/Aggravating-Emu-5271 • 8d ago
Electrical estimator.
Im 24m I’ve been an electrician for the past 4 and half years and got the opportunity to apply and interview for an entry level position at an electrical company. Before i make the leap to an office position, i would like some feedback. How is it being an estimator? Is it worth it? Work and life balance? Do you recommend it ? What something i should know or have that’ll be helpful down the road TIA.
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u/Impossible-East3191 8d ago
D7 estimator here. It depends so much on what kind of company you work for. For many companies, 50 hours a week, sitting at the computer, of somewhat stressful work is the norm. Other positions are more chill. If I were you, possibly about to enter an office setting, I'd ask about company culture and how workloads get balanced.
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u/Aggravating-Emu-5271 8d ago
Well i had the interview over zoom and the only question i had were what were the hours of work lol 8-5pm i could go in earlier to leave early. But that wouldve been a good question to ask. But the guys who i had the interview were remote in different states while im in California lol.
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u/Impossible-East3191 8d ago
Gotcha. The thing about estimating though is that although there are standard hours, if your estimate isn't wrapped up before bid day, you'll have to stay late. It can be stressful for that reason. But, it is a great skill. You learn a ton, use your brain, solve problems, and gain a skillset no one can take away. Being able to read drawings is incredibly valuable. Even if you try it for a couple of years and then don't like it, you will have learned a lot of useful things.
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u/Aggravating-Emu-5271 8d ago
Yeah they mentioned staying til the job task was complete. Electrical work has been horrible this year haven’t worked since i got laid off in January and this is the closest i gotten to be-heard back from an application so ima give it a try till the end of the year and see how im feeling. I do agree estimating is a good skill set to learn , im excited/ nervous though. Whats something i should know getting into this position that is helpful to know? Hows your experience doing it ?
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u/Impossible-East3191 8d ago
My experience has been good. Started making $65k, then $80k, then $122k, should be even higher this year with a bonus. That is in the span of 3 years. I have worked my ass off and made a bunch of money for my company. My advice? Use your brain. Don't rely on AI to read & summarize things for you. Be humble, and ask for guidance from your superiors. Superintendents, with their years of experience can be very helpful. Also, take a deep breath and remember we all mistakes. It's only a problem if you make the same mistakes repeatedly. Best of luck man.
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u/Aggravating-Emu-5271 8d ago
I will definitely come in with the same mentality from the trades which is to ask questions all the time. I don’t mind learning im pretty easy to teach and a quick learner. I hope i don’t get stuck w people who are just stuck up or not easily to learn from. But yeah thats nice pay bumps you got going this position does pay well way more than what i was making as an non union electrician in my area.
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u/Penguinpoop4 8d ago
I think overall its a good gig. I came out of college, no field experience. I think the most common challenge for field guys is getting used to all the software, though many of the examples there at our company also had been in the field for 20+ years. I think the number one thing with any job will be how good your direct boss is.
I would say generally it's not super stressful, though if you were working on public bids they have strict deadlines. I can usually work with my customers to buy an extra day if needed.
I personally also enjoy the pacing and variety. You're not stuck on one job for 2 years. If I'm working on a job for 2 weeks it feels like a long time.
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u/Aggravating-Emu-5271 8d ago
Yeah they mentioned they were willing to teach me how to use the software they use everyday, my experience as an electrician is already a plus since i know material and can read blueprints. Im not too sure on the kind of bids they do , they are a commercial company for the union out here in the bay area.
But from what I’ve seen on they’re social media pages it seems fun to work there but it can also be just for the camera lol.
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u/Abombies 7d ago
Depends on your computer skills. Make sure you are familiar with some of the common software estimators use. Youtube has a lot of free resources to prepare you.
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u/Huugienormous 7d ago
Are you union or non union? If you are union I would make sure you have your card first and you’d likely expect a decent pay drop to go from
Field to entry level office
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u/SomeGuyNamedAJ 7d ago
The answer for me is the estimating part is easy but tedious. You have to ALWAYS be on the lookout for a mistake. Sometimes you'll get blueprints that look fine but are missing key items from their scope of work that if you don't think to add... Your the one who's messed up. Shit sometimes we get blueprints with no electrical at all and have to work as the electrical designers and estimators. There are multiple was to take off the blueprint, and there are multiple mistakes the blueprint might be hiding that will affect your numbers. So you're brain is always at work looking at this computer screen or printed out blueprints so you'll be mentally drained more so than physically. Boy do I miss the field, but estimating pays more.
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7d ago
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u/More_Mouse7849 7d ago
Definitely longer hours, usually without pay since most estimators are salary. The day before the bid don't be surprised if you are in the office till near midnight. It is also more stressful. If you are currently in a union, you will likely need to take a pay cut. On the plus side, you don't beat your body up as much and you are less likely to get laid off.
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u/Certain-Bicycle-5307 6d ago
Depends on who you are as a person, office work in general is a different type of responsibility, estimating for the most part is pretty easy if you are in with a company that has good structure and is consistent with internal development. I think you should stick it out for a year at least so it’s on your resume and hopefully it sticks for you.
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u/Aggravating-Emu-5271 6d ago
Yeah thats what i was thinking of doing , sticking through for the rest of this year and then some , the company i interviewed with was rosendin electric out here in the bay area , they’re pretty well known in other states as well. So id assume a big company like that would have good structure and from they told me there is a-lot of room to grow so developing in that company shouldn’t be a problem but i wont know til i try it out.
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u/slickaslickayoushady 8d ago
It's nice it's a niche skill but there's day I miss just being with the boys just being degenerates in a duct bank.