Cost Estimators
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.
Common Job Titles
- Construction Estimator
- Cost Analyst
- Cost Estimator
- Estimator
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Cost Estimators (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
219,530
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $46,330. 25th percentile: U.S. $59,830. 50th percentile: U.S. $77,070. 75th percentile: U.S. $99,630. 90th percentile: U.S. $128,640. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $46,330 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $128,640 |
| Workers on average earn | $83,160 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Mathematics4.4/5
- Economics and Accounting4.0/5
- Computers and Electronics3.5/5
- Engineering and Technology3.4/5
- Building and Construction3.3/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Acrobat
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk Revit
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
- Procore software
- SAP software
- Trimble SketchUp Pro
Technology Skills
- Apple AppleWorks
- Assured Software JPP
- CPR International GeneralCOST Estimator
- CPR Visual Estimator
- Choice Job Cost
- Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
- ConEst BidTrac
- ConEst Electrical Formulas
Tools & Equipment
- Desktop computers
- Notebook computers
- Personal computers
- Personal digital assistants PDA
- Scanners
- Tablet computers