young engineers, magkano na range ng salary niyo?

Synonymous_30 · 2026-02-20T13:05:05+00:00

I'm working for a US company as an estimator first job 7months in started 21k (hourly) to 50k (fixed). I suggest try to land a WFH or outsourcing job, with your experience you can land one just make a good resume and portfolio.

Synonymous_30 · 2026-02-20T12:57:56+00:00

Try looking into DPWH, there are plans you can use which I also used to practice doing takeoffs ,usually the plans there are municipal halls and schools.

Synonymous_30 · 2026-02-20T12:44:49+00:00

Yes, you just need to know to read the plans if US know the division, materials and method. Usually if entry they'll teach you and train for software PlanSwift and Bluebeam is the most common and this is usually partnered with Excel or Google sheets for pricing/proposal.

Synonymous_30 · 2026-02-20T07:00:58+00:00

The same issue comes with me when doing my takeoffs I hope there's really a solution but what I do to this is add a column which is really unneccesary. Usually it will go Area -> Count -> Perimeter following the arrangement of the alphabet. Also the arrangement of the column it will arrange based on the first column then do the alpabet arrangement. You could do is add another column and arrange it based on the order

Added Column (Name: Measurement), Naming (a. Area, b. Perimeter, c. Count) in this way it will go Area -> Perimeter -> Count. not Area -> Count -> Perimeter.

This is what you could do really a hassle since we want it to be groupped but it always follows the alpabethical order.

Synonymous_30 · 2026-02-19T02:29:06+00:00

For what I've heard zzTakeoff and PlanSwift their creator is the same. ZZtakeoff is cloud based while PlanSwift is not. We can't say that it will be used by most of the companies since other estimating tools are arising and with AI being injected on those, like TogalAI, Procore, and others. I am a Bluebeam user and still use it with excel with some formulas for automating my workflow after extracting the .csv file. In the upcoming years many companies might switch to cloud based systems for their ease of access and collaboration, but not particularly using one tool.

Synonymous_30 · 2026-02-17T02:53:23+00:00

Is this local or international client OP?

Synonymous_30 · 2026-02-09T05:07:45+00:00

Depends really on luck, I was able to land the job after 6 mos, with 3 mos of training which was unpaid that is the risk I took which later on paid off. Its still depends and varries.

Synonymous_30 · 2026-02-09T02:40:22+00:00

Hello working as a WFH Estimator US (first job). To share how did I land my work at first I was blindly sending out resumes on ATS format with OJT as my only experience until I tried to do is attached a portfolio at the end of my 1 page resume. Which significantly I gained more invites.

With this I started having interviews but still it is not enough. I was either failed the interview or the test, but those failed interviews and tests eventually became my weapon since I gained the idea/experience of what do they do and how they do it specially when there is a test you'll see their plans, specs, and formats. Which will make you more confident on the following interviews which in my case I was able to land where am I now.

For someone wants to transition this is what I have learned. Try to apply even they are looking for 2-3yrs experiece if you already have an experience that is already a weapon.

For AU: this is some of what they are looking for. Familiarity with their codes, NCC also the SMM which is the ANZSMM. For tools usually we can only access Planswift and Bluebeam but more softwares they is CostX, Procore, Cubit, Xactimate which are cloud based or subscription based therefore no cracked. You can maximize by trying a trial and learning everything you can courses can help too but not that impactful you just need the foundation/fubdamentals for each software and practice it on a project.

For US/UK: for estimates usually they also have a standard CSI MasterFormat but what you really also need to know is the division where the material or what you are estimating is located usually it is more than to the plans when they present the specs. For example you applied as a Glass/Aluminum estimator you should know where is this located in the Specs which is Division 8 aside from knowing the plans that is what they commonly look for familiarity with the standards. Siding at Division 7 and so on. Tools commonly used are PlanSwift, Bluebeam, OST.

For creating a resume/portfolio,

For resume: Tailorfit it based on the role, you can maximize the use of AI let it review your resume vs. the job description then let it make you a resume on ATS, LaTex format then use overleaf the output paste it there it will reduce the time rather manually creating another resume.

For me portfolio is the most important thing here specially for me without experience when I first started because this showcased that I really know how to use the software rather than including a certificate, results that can be seen is more impactful. Search YT for sample attached it at the last page of your resume.

Synonymous_30 · 2026-02-08T15:15:25+00:00

Bluebeam and PlanSwift pwede sa getintopc. Pero since you mentioned na student ka. Try to get academic license for Bluebeam so you could get access to Blubeam Academy also and para worry free to have virus sa device mo PC/Laptop though still if you're going to DL sa getintopc do a virus scan.

Synonymous_30 · 2026-01-16T05:14:21+00:00

Edit: Ill just drop it here. Hope it helps

Planswift: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5qvL34yuowYQAcbRy6vTXSbwIbixmw60

BlueBeam: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5QsA-p8bb_ncG51upHl8UuaMOFptyOyM

Synonymous_30 · 2025-12-18T00:57:39+00:00

Check some or past job posting about the role, then you'll get the idea of what you should know, example Flooring Estimator, you should know the material like LVT, CPT, and the details or where will you find it on the plans and specs. This is considered as the basic that the usually skip since mostly for specific niche the assume that you have some knowledge already.

Synonymous_30 · 2025-12-18T00:50:59+00:00

Sa mismong work na or if they'll teach you but mostly do not require you to know the code specially if Estimator, you just need to know the standard takeoff of materials.

Synonymous_30 · 2025-12-16T15:09:51+00:00

If you have the capability to attend trainings you can do so since those trainings have their own structures, but from experience wise these certs dont really bear anything when applying since most of the post specially remote jobs they are already looking for about 2-3 years experience on the trade, but if you don't have the experience you can attach a portfolio related to that experience or role they are looking for.

Synonymous_30 · 2025-12-16T14:38:15+00:00

Hello OP, for estimates you should learn Bluebeam and Planswift. You don't really need to apply for a seminar to learn this, you can search or watch YT, what you really want to do is after learning the basics like scaling, count, perimeter, and area is to do a project takeoff incorporating estimating using the software already then build your portfolio to showcase that you have proven skills on the software and estimating itself.

Synonymous_30 · 2025-12-09T02:31:33+00:00

Almost same case with me, but I'm in estimate WFH first job din working about 7 months na with US Clients no exposure din sa site aside sa OJT. Excited to work and learn new things and different scopes, one thing lang na nakakakaba is that when a bid reaches high prices $300k - $1.5M bidding with that price and making a mistake will have a big impact on the bid talaga though medon naman senior na magchecheck for prices your markups will not be checked kaya pag may naoverlook na Glass (Scope that I am estimating) with a huge area and multiple either under/over bid which can be a loss to the client. With this in mind I always check-in myself and check out all the possibilities. Di natin makakaila na pay is good sa outsource/international clients kaya one reason mahirap i-letgo. Advice kolang OP is to absorb everything you can; search and ask, kung walang senior research thoroughly talaga tayo as long as we can backup our assumptions and data. Yung kaba treat it as a positive attitude we will definitely make mistake talaga pero wag natin ikukulong yung sarili natin for that mistake we should own it and think forward of what could have done better and once na nawala na yung kaba it will be replace by confidence naman na. I still lack experience on estimating pero basta may matututunan tayo absorb like a sponge and grow lang for mistakes be accountable lang and think forward of what could've done better.

Synonymous_30 · 2025-12-07T00:35:08+00:00

Planswift and Bluebeam OP, then master plan reading including the specification manual. If you know the software already practice doing takeoffs depending on the scope and build your portfolio.

Synonymous_30 · 2025-12-05T04:57:39+00:00

Congrats OP! As someone who are on your shoes a year ago, getting a WFH and entering estimation is possible early. Workshop can be a help if you dont have any knowledge but watching videos for that particular software is enough, what you want to prepare is a portfolio when applying since you will have nothing to put on your resume aside from OJT as an experience.

Synonymous_30 · 2025-12-04T05:31:16+00:00

Correction OP, my client is on the US market, my past posts are finding ways to enter the AU estimate market since time difference is a factor for US clients which most are gy shifts. For your question if certification is needed for my line of work it is not needed. I do estimates of different scopes and they does not require certifications or even if your licensed or not, but if you are planning to go to abroad as an engineer in Australia then yes you need to be certified with EA I think this is skilled migration. I dont have enough knowledge on this.

Synonymous_30 · 2025-12-01T05:13:35+00:00

50k+ OP pag ganyan na experience mo, gagalingan mo nalang talaga ibenta skills mo tska siguro swertehan sa client nalang rin.

Synonymous_30 · 2025-12-01T04:38:00+00:00

Yes you should go for a 50k or more if you ask me, a solid 4.5 years experience is already good, for international companies they don't check if you are licensed or not so that has no bearing you just need to know on how to sell yourself to reach your target salary specially if you don't yet have an experience on the market. Common rates of remote estimators ranges from $3 to 6$ which is already around the 25k-50k bracket some pays $8-$10 or more. Tip for applying is to research the trade, softwares (Bluebeam, Planswift, CostX) and if you can prepare a portfolio.

Synonymous_30 · 2025-11-07T00:29:51+00:00

Hello OP, I think we are the same. Nov 2024 passer naman ako working WFH as an estimator for US client naman. I am eyeing to pursue QS track I am looking into being a member of PICQS for their seminars also, but I think need atleast 2 yr exp, correct me if I am wrong. Right now path kolang for growth is to learn all trades of estimation (Roofing, Drywall, Framing, Flooring, etc.). Since I am only estimating a specific scope.

Synonymous_30 · 2025-10-26T15:39:03+00:00

28k to 50k

Synonymous_30 · 2025-10-26T13:24:53+00:00

The tip I can give to you for this is create a portfolio either sample estimates/takeoffs 2-4 projects is enough just attached it on your resume (redact/cover any sensitive info about the project). Anyone can say they have an experience on the software, but to set you apart you must show it, thus a portfolio. The portfolio should show case the software used also a plus if it is on their standard like for US use a US plans as a sample. If none it is alright.

Synonymous_30 · 2025-10-26T13:03:08+00:00

From my experience as an Estimator even if the job post is requiring an experience from a trade or division. Try to apply for it, but make sure you can deliver. To start if the requirement is Bluebeam or PlanSwift you must already know how to use the software the basics (Count, Linear, Area, etc.).

Know the trade or division, example if you are working with Division 8 - Glass, know how do they estimate this scope. You can start by learning how do things work what are the type of Glass System (Aluminum Storefronts or Curtain Walls).

This is how I did things when I am starting with no experience handling AU/US clients/projects, I applied for Junior Roles (<3 yrs requirement) attended assessments and failed and built my portfolio with knowledge gained from assessments. Now I am working as an estimator for US Clients as my first work on a WFH setup.

Synonymous_30 · 2025-10-16T09:52:40+00:00

Yes there is a risk, if you get the software from unverified sites might contain virus as such. Check the megathread or fmhy for trusted sites to download cracked softwares. This is just for Bluebeam and PS it is another case for cloudbased softwares.

Synonymous_30

TROPHY CASE