Cost Estimators
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed
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.
Median pay: $78,740/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -4.2% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 16,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
• Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
• Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
• Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
• Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
• Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.
• Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
• Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
What's the median pay for Cost Estimators?
The median pay for Cost Estimators is $78,740 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Cost Estimators?
Employment for Cost Estimators is projected to change -4.2% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Cost Estimators?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Cost Estimators?
About 16,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.