Salary Breakdown
Cost Estimators
Average
$67,530
ANNUAL
$32.47
HOURLY
Entry Level
$38,510
ANNUAL
$18.52
HOURLY
Mid Level
$62,320
ANNUAL
$29.96
HOURLY
Expert Level
$99,590
ANNUAL
$47.88
HOURLY
Projected Jobs
Cost Estimators
5,020
Projected job openings through 2032
Sample Career Roadmap
Cost Estimators
Supporting Programs
Cost Estimators
Top Expected Tasks
Cost Estimators
01
Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
02
Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
03
Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
04
Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
05
Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
06
Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.
07
Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
08
Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
09
Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
10
Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Cost Estimators
Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.
KNOWLEDGE
Mathematics
KNOWLEDGE
Economics and Accounting
KNOWLEDGE
Computers and Electronics
KNOWLEDGE
Engineering and Technology
KNOWLEDGE
Building and Construction
SKILL
Mathematics
SKILL
Reading Comprehension
SKILL
Speaking
SKILL
Active Listening
SKILL
Critical Thinking
ABILITY
Inductive Reasoning
ABILITY
Mathematical Reasoning
ABILITY
Oral Comprehension
ABILITY
Oral Expression
ABILITY
Number Facility
Related Careers
Construction & Architecture
Not sure where to begin?
Career Exploration