Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using numbers, measurements, formulas, quantitative reasoning, and mathematical concepts.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Cost estimators typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation, although workers with several years of experience in construction sometimes qualify in that industry without a degree. PayThe median annual wage for cost estimators was $78,740 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of cost estimators is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 17,600 openings for cost estimators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for cost estimators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of cost estimators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about cost estimators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for cost estimators was $78,740 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of cost estimators is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 17,600 openings for cost estimators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for cost estimators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of cost estimators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about cost estimators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of cost estimators is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 17,600 openings for cost estimators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for cost estimators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of cost estimators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about cost estimators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Cost estimators collect and analyze data in order to assess the time, money, materials, and labor required to make a product or provide a service.
Work Environment
Cost estimators work mostly in office settings, and some estimators also visit construction sites and factory assembly lines. Most cost estimators work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Cost Estimator
Cost estimators typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation, although workers with several years of experience in construction sometimes qualify in that industry without a degree.
Pay
The median annual wage for cost estimators was $78,740 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of cost estimators is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 17,600 openings for cost estimators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for cost estimators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of cost estimators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about cost estimators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Cost estimators work mostly in office settings, and some estimators also visit construction sites and factory assembly lines. Most cost estimators work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Cost Estimator
Cost estimators typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation, although workers with several years of experience in construction sometimes qualify in that industry without a degree.
Pay
The median annual wage for cost estimators was $78,740 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of cost estimators is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 17,600 openings for cost estimators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for cost estimators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of cost estimators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about cost estimators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for cost estimators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of cost estimators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about cost estimators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about cost estimators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.