Cost Estimators
Did You Know:
- About 59 percent of cost estimators work in the construction industry, and another 15 percent are employed by manufacturers.
- Good job opportunities are expected; those with industry work experience and a bachelor's degree in a related field will have the best prospects.
- Voluntary certification can be beneficial to cost estimators; some employers may require professional certification for employment.
Industry Areas
- Building Equipment Contractors
- Nonresidential Building Construction
- Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors
Day-to-Day Tasks
- Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
- Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
- Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
Overall Kind of Work
Accurately forecasting the cost, size and duration of future projects is vital to the survival of any business. Cost estimators develop the cost information that business owners and managers need ...
Work Environment
Civilian
Estimators spend most of their time in offices, but visits to construction worksites and factory floors are often needed for their work. In some industries, there may be frequent travel between a ...
Military
Finance and accounting managers work primarily in offices.
Workweek Breakdown
The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.
- 2.91% (21-34 Hours)
- 4.82% (35-39 Hours)
- 60.72% (40 Hours)
- 8.57% (41-49 Hours)
- 22.98% (Over 50 Hours)
This data also pertains to Cost estimators (13-1051)
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
Data: 
People:
Things: 
Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
Verbal skills: 
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
Math & Science Skills:
Technology Design & Control:
Leadership:
Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility:
Exposure to Job Hazards:
Physical Activity:
Decision Making:
Repetitiveness:
Level of Competition:
Time Pressure:
Business Breakdown
The different sectors people in this career currently work in.
- 86.40% (Private For-Profit)
- 1.20% (Private Not For-Profit)
- 0.58% (State and Local Govt)
- 1.02% (Federal Government)
- 10.80% (Self-Employed)
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
60 Cost Estimators in the military