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.

SOC: 13-1051.00

Common Job Titles

Construction EstimatorCost AnalystCost EstimatorEstimator
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

MetricU.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 AcrobatAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk RevitIntuit QuickBooksMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft DynamicsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft WordOracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio ManagementProcore softwareSAP softwareTrimble SketchUp Pro

Technology Skills

Apple AppleWorksAssured Software JPPCPR International GeneralCOST EstimatorCPR Visual EstimatorChoice Job CostComputer aided design and drafting CADD softwareConEst BidTracConEst Electrical Formulas

Tools & Equipment

Desktop computersNotebook computersPersonal computersPersonal digital assistants PDAScannersTablet computers