Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.
Cost Estimators
SOC: 13-1051 O*NET: 13-1051.00
Median Salary
$77,070
per year
Job Growth
📉 -4.2%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
16.9
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.
What does a Cost Estimators do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$46,330
10th percentile
Early Career
$59,830
25th percentile
Median
$77,070
50th percentile
Experienced
$99,630
75th percentile
Top Earners
$128,640
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$46,330
25th
$59,830
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$77,070
Mean: $83,160
75th
$99,630
90th
$128,640
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $82,310 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $59,830 and $99,630
- •Salary spread is 51.6% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 219,530 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:221,400
Top Industries
Construction55%
Specialty Trade Contractors34.3%
Construction of Buildings15.5%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-4.2%
Annual Openings:16,900
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)221,400
Current
2034 (Projected)212,100
-4.2%
-9,300
Employment Change
-4.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Cost Estimators professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
25,580 jobs$84,6100.99x
Texas
21,810 jobs$74,9301.11x
Florida
14,640 jobs$71,9201.05x
New York
9,790 jobs$82,9400.72x
Pennsylvania
9,370 jobs$74,5901.09x
Ohio
8,500 jobs$75,4501.08x
Washington
7,320 jobs$82,9001.45x
Missouri
6,990 jobs$73,3601.68x
North Carolina
6,620 jobs$72,2300.95x
Virginia
6,570 jobs$75,9701.14x
Illinois
6,220 jobs$79,8800.72x
Michigan
6,110 jobs$76,0800.98x
Colorado
6,020 jobs$81,9901.46x
Massachusetts
5,340 jobs$102,6801.03x
Wisconsin
5,200 jobs$71,8801.25x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Mathematics
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
100%
#3
Inductive Reasoning
100%
#4
Mathematics
94%
#5
Economics and Accounting
92%
#6
Oral Expression
92%
#7
Speaking
86%
#8
Computers and Electronics
86%
#9
Mathematical Reasoning
82%
#10
Critical Thinking
80%
Skills Overview
Mathematics
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Inductive Reasoning
advanced5.0
100%
Mathematics
advanced4.7
94%
Economics and Accounting
advanced4.6
92%
Oral Expression
advanced4.6
92%
Speaking
intermediate4.3
86%
Computers and Electronics
intermediate4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Mathematics
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Inductive Reasoning
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Mathematics
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Economics and Accounting
advancedImportance92%
knowledge
4.6/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Computers and Electronics
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Mathematical Reasoning
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Engineering and Technology
intermediateImportance78%
knowledge
3.9/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Survey Researchers100%
5 shared skills
Accountants and Auditors82%
5 shared skills
Precision Agriculture Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Atmospheric and Space Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Statisticians82%
5 shared skills
Budget Analysts82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Economics and Accounting
- ✓Computers and Electronics
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →English Language
- →Administration and Management
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Economics and Accounting
- ✓Computers and Electronics
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Mathematics
- ★Speaking
- ★Mathematics
- ★Economics and Accounting
- ★Computers and Electronics
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Cost Estimators
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Intuit QuickBooks
🔥 Hot TechProcore software
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk Revit
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Dynamics
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechTrimble SketchUp Pro
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Intuit QuickBooks
Procore software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk Revit
Microsoft Access
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Dynamics
SAP software
Trimble SketchUp Pro
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
14
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Analysis & Evaluation (1)Planning & Development (3)General Responsibilities (5)Documentation & Record-Keeping (4)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation100% perform100%
2
Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Management & Supervision76% perform84%
10
Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on analysis & evaluation activities
- •50% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Cost Estimators
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Cost Estimators professionals typically have a CEI Holland code and highly value relationships
CConventional
EEnterprising
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Cost Estimators
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.41
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.41
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.36
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.18
Cooperation
ImportantCooperation
Importance Level3.91
Persistence
ImportantPersistence
Importance Level3.82
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.4
Integrity
4.4
Analytical Thinking
4.4
Dependability
4.2
Cooperation
3.9
Persistence
3.8
Achievement/Effort
3.8
Initiative
3.8
Stress Tolerance
3.8
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Cost Estimators.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Cost Estimators
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
5.0k program completions/year
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
2.8k program completions/year
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH
2.5k program completions/year
Lee College
Baytown, TX
1.6k program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
1.3k program completions/year
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville, NC
1.3k program completions/year
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
1.3k program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
1.2k program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
1.2k program completions/year
Irvine Valley College
Irvine, CA
1.0k program completions/year
Connecticut State Community College
New Britain, CT
978 program completions/year
Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ
897 program completions/year
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