Cost Estimator

Explore This Path

Ideal for those who love analyzing data and predicting costs accurately.
Play a crucial role in project success by providing precise cost estimates.
Unique chance to collaborate with diverse teams and influence major decisions.

💰 Earn $63K-$108K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 24–48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 -3.6% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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.

Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Bachelor Degree

Career Prospects

Shaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

2 to 4 years

Job Openings

18,000 Annually

Median Earnings

$81,910 in California

$74,740 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Influencing or leading others
Using data or completing tasks

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Negotiation
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Writing

You value 🙏

Having freedom
Job security
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Cost Estimator

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Hybrid College

A hybrid college combines online learning with the student support typically offered on college campuses, giving students flexibility and accessibility while still providing a comprehensive educational experience.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-5 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years