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
How to Become a Cost Estimator Cost estimators learn to use specialized cost estimating software. 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.
Education
Employers generally prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree. Construction cost estimators typically need a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as construction or engineering. Manufacturing cost estimators typically need a degree in business or finance.
Training
Most cost estimators receive on-the-job training, which may include instruction in cost estimation techniques and software and in building information modeling (BIM), computer-aided design (CAD), or other industry-specific software. Work Experience in a Related Occupation Some employers prefer that construction cost estimators, particularly those without a bachelor’s degree, have work experience in the construction industry. Some construction cost estimators become qualified solely through extensive work experience.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of cost estimators is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, decline. About 17,600 openings for cost estimators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Cost estimation software is improving the productivity of these workers, requiring fewer estimators to do the same amount of work. This is expected to reduce demand for cost estimators. However, there will likely continue to be some demand for these workers because companies need accurate cost projections to ensure that their products and services are profitable. Cost Estimators Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Business operations specialists 6% Total, all occupations 3% Cost estimators -3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Cost Estimators Do
Cost estimators collect and analyze data in order to assess the time, money, materials, and labor required to manufacture a product, construct a building, or provide a service. They generally specialize in a particular product or industry.
Duties
Cost estimators typically do the following:
- Identify factors affecting costs, such as production time, materials, and labor
- Read blueprints and technical documents in order to prepare estimates
- Collaborate with engineers, architects, clients, and contractors
- Calculate, analyze, and adjust estimates
- Recommend ways to cut costs
- Work with sales teams to prepare estimates and bids for clients
- Maintain records of estimated and actual costs
Accurately estimating the costs of construction and manufacturing projects is vital to the survival of businesses. Cost estimators provide managers with the information they need in order to submit competitive contract bids or to price products appropriately.
Estimators analyze production processes to determine how much time, money, and labor a project needs. Their estimates account for many things, including allowances for wasted material, bad weather, shipping delays, and other variables that can increase costs and lower profits.
In building construction, cost estimators use software to simulate the construction process and evaluate the price of design choices. They often check databases and their own records to compare the costs of similar projects.
The following are examples of types of cost estimators:
Construction cost estimators prepare estimates for building, road, and other construction projects. They may calculate the total cost of constructing a bridge or commercial shopping center, or they may calculate the cost of just one part, such as the foundation. They identify costs of elements such as raw materials and labor, and they may set a timeline for how long they expect the project to take. Although many work directly for construction firms, some work for contractors and engineering firms.
Manufacturing cost estimators calculate the expense of developing, producing, or redesigning a company’s goods or services. For example, an estimator working for a home appliance manufacturer may determine a new dishwasher’s production costs, aiding managers in making decisions about its assembly.
Other workers, such as operations research analysts and construction managers, also may estimate costs in the course of their usual duties.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Cost estimators held about 226,400 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of cost estimators were as follows:
| Specialty trade contractors | 33% |
| Construction of buildings | 15 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
| Automotive repair and maintenance | 9 |
| Heavy and civil engineering construction | 5 |
Cost estimators work mostly in office settings, and some estimators visit construction sites and factory assembly lines during the course of their work.
Work Schedules
Most cost estimators work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Analytical skills. Cost estimators must review and evaluate different construction and manufacturing methods to find cost-effective options. Detail oriented. Cost estimators must be precise, because minor changes may greatly affect the overall expense of a project or product. Math skills. Cost estimators need excellent math skills to calculate labor, material, and equipment estimates for construction projects. Time-management skills. Cost estimators must plan in advance and work efficiently to meet their deadlines. Writing skills. Cost estimators must have excellent writing skills to prepare comprehensive reports, which often help managers make production decisions.
More Information
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.
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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.