Cost Estimators

Also Called: Construction Estimator, Cost Estimator, Estimator

Bachelor's Degree

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$44,820

Entry Salary

Below Average

Job outlook

What Cost Estimators do

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.

  • Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
  • Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
  • Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
Industry Areas:

Finance and Business

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Telephone
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Tools

  • Scanners
  • Notebook computers
  • Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers
  • Desktop computers
  • Personal computers

Technology

Project management software
Microsoft Project
Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Word processing software
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft Word
Accounting software
Intuit QuickBooks
Sage 50 Accounting

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Mathematics
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making

Knowledge

Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Engineering and Technology
product and service development
building and construction
Arts and Humanities
English language
Business
accounting and economics

Education

  • 64% Bachelor's degree
  • 18% Master's degree
  • 9% Post-secondary certificate

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Administrative Services Managers

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Travel Guides

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Executive Secretaries & Executive Administrative Assistants

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

Cost Estimators Currently Selected

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Aaniiih Nakoda College

    Harlem, MT

  • Abilene Christian University

    Abilene, TX

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Conventional (Organizer)
    • Enterprising (Persuader)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Persistence
  • Stress Tolerance

Values

  • Independence
  • Relationships
  • Working Conditions

Abilities

  • Math
  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic

This is what Cost Estimators across the country typically make.

$21.55 / hour
$44,820 /year

Entry Level

$35.94 / hour
$74,740 /year

Median Level

$59.87 / hour
$124,520 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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