What does a cost estimator do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Cost estimators gather and analyze data to judge the time, money, materials and labor needed to build a structure, make a product or provide a service. A bachelor's degree is typically preferred. BLS reports a median pay of $78,740 per year (May 2025).
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 13-1051 |
| O*NET code | 13-1051.00 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
| Median annual wage | $78,740 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | -3 percent (decline), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 226,400 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a cost estimator do?
BLS says cost estimators identify cost drivers such as production time, materials and labor, read blueprints and technical documents, work with engineers, architects, clients and contractors, calculate and adjust estimates, suggest ways to cut costs, prepare estimates and bids with sales teams, and keep records of estimated and actual costs.
Work environment
Most work in offices, though some visit construction sites or factory lines. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours a week. Specialty trade contractors employ 33 percent, building construction 15 percent and manufacturing 12 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says a bachelor's degree is typically preferred. Construction estimators often study construction or engineering, and manufacturing estimators often study business or finance. Some construction estimators qualify through extensive experience instead. Training is mostly on the job and often covers estimating software, BIM and CAD.
Skills that matter
BLS lists analytical skills, attention to detail, math skills, time management and writing skills as important qualities for this work.
How much does a cost estimator make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $78,740 for cost estimators (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of cost estimators to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035. Even so, about 17,600 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says these openings come mostly from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire. A shrinking occupation can still hire, but expect more competition for each opening.
How to get hired
- Learn the estimating software common in your trade and bring examples of estimates you built.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Construction managers, Accountants and auditors, Budget analysts, Logisticians, Civil engineers.
Frequently asked questions
Is cost estimating a declining field? BLS projects employment to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, partly because estimating software makes each estimator more productive, but still projects about 17,600 openings per year.
What degree do cost estimators need? BLS says a bachelor's degree is typically preferred, though some construction estimators qualify through extensive experience.
How much do cost estimators make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $78,740 for cost estimators (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is cost estimator a good career? BLS projects a 3 percent decline from 2025 to 2035. About 17,600 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does a Construction Manager Do? Pay, Outlook
- What Does an Accountant Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Budget Analyst Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Logistician Do? Duties, Pay and Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Cost estimators: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/cost-estimators.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 13-1051.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1051.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.