Jacob Slaton

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“The drafting courses that I took in high school sparked my interest in architecture and construction. Having an opportunity to be involved with a project from the initial design, and witnessing it being built from the ground up is satisfying.” – Maria Garcia

Maria Garcia

High school: Rogers High School  | Age: 29  | Where I trained: NorthWest Arkansas Community College  | What I earned: Associate of Applied Science in Computer-Aided Design with an emphasis in Architectural Design and an Associate of Applied Science in Construction Technology  | Job title: Construction Estimator  | Employer: Nabholz Corporation in Rogers

What does a construction estimator do?

Construction estimators calculate the estimated costs of construction projects to bid on jobs or to determine the price of products or services.

“[I love] new projects! It’s exciting to open a new set of drawings without knowing what to expect.” - Maria

Responsibilities

• Analyze business or financial data.

• Estimate costs of goods or services.

• Assess the cost effectiveness of products, projects or services.

• Keep track of costs.

• Communicate with owners, architects and subcontractors.

• Attend pre-bid meetings and job walks.

Job Outlook

+12%
Expected growth from 2016 to 2026 in Arkansas.

1,210
Average annual construction job openings in Arkansas.

11,420
Construction jobs in Arkansas by 2026.

Related Occupations

• Carpenter

• Mason

• Construction Manager

• Laborer

• General

• Contractor

• Painter

• Drywall Installer

• Concrete Finisher

• Glazier

• Ironworker

• Sheet Metal Worker

• Building Inspector

• Elevator Installer

• Elevator Repairer

"What people would find surprising about my job is the amount of collaboration, interaction and hours that needs to be invested by all — architects, engineers, owner, estimators, project managers, superintendents and subcontractors — prior to the start of construction in order to meet the owner’s needs, provide quality work and [create] a safe environment." –Maria, on what surprised her most about construction

This option is for you if:
√ You like making things or working with your hands.
√ You’re a problem solver.
√ You’re willing to show up early and stay late.
√ You’re a good communicator.

High-end earners in construction estimation (top 10%) make
$93,070

Median wages in Arkansas
$56,410 Annual
$27.12 Hourly

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Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics and CareerOneStop,org

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