Cost Estimators
Overview
Introduction
Cost estimators use standard estimating techniques to calculate the cost of a construction or manufacturing project. They help contractors, owners, and project planners determine how much a project or product will cost to decide if it is economically viable. There are approximately 217,400 cost estimators employed in the United States.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Salaries vary according to the size of the construction or manufacturing firm and the experience and education of the worker. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual salary for cost estimators was $64,040 in May 2018. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,060 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $107,940. By industry, the mean annual ea...
Work Environment
Much of the cost estimator's work takes place in a typical office setting with access to accounting records and other information. However, estimators must also visit construction sites or manufacturing facilities to inspect production procedures. These sites may be dirty, noisy, and potentially hazardous if the cost estimator is not equipped with proper protective gear such as a hard hat, safe...
Outlook
Employment for cost estimators is expected to increase by 9 percent, faster than the average for all careers from 2018 to 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. As in most industries, highly trained college graduates and those with the most experience will have the best job prospects.
Many jobs will arise from the need to replace workers leaving the industry, either to retire o...
