Explore This Path

Cost Estimator

💰 Earn $65K-$117K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 24–48 Month Training

📈 -4.2% Job Growth

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.

What Cost Estimators DoPrepare 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.

Cost Estimators Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationBachelor Degree

Career ProspectsShaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)

Training Time2 to 4 years

Job Openings16,900 Annually

Median Earnings

$84,610 in California

$77,070 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Influencing or leading others
Using data or completing tasks

you value

Having freedom
Job security
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Speaking
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Negotiation

Go Deeper: Cost Estimators Explained

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

How Do You Train for This Career?

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

Associate's DegreeAn 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 DegreeA 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

Vocational SchoolA 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

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

Technology BootcampA technology bootcamp typically offers intensive training in specific tech skills, preparing participants for entry-level roles in the tech industry in a relatively short period of time.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in Less than a year

Professional UpskillingProfessional upskilling typically results in acquiring new or enhanced skills and knowledge relevant to a participant's current job or desired career path, leading to improved job performance, opportunities for career advancement, and greater employability.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 1 week - 3 months

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