Cost Estimators
SOC code 13-1051 · O*NET-SOC 13-1051.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Business and finance
Cost Estimators pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$78,740
a year
Hourly
$37.86
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$85,390
$41.06 per hour
Middle 50%
$61,150 – $101,850
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$48,530 – $130,820
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
224,220
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $48,530
- $23.33/hr
- 25th percentile
- $61,150
- $29.40/hr
- Median percentile
- $78,740
- $37.86/hr
- 75th percentile
- $101,850
- $48.97/hr
- 90th percentile
- $130,820
- $62.90/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
-4%
Declining
221,400
jobs in 2024
212,100
projected for 2034
About 9,300 fewer jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does a cost estimator 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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
- Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
- Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
- Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
- Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.
- Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
- Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
How to become a cost estimator
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 82% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree82%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree9%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)5%
- Master's Degree5%
Common questions
How much does a cost estimator earn?
The national median is $78,740 a year. The full range runs from $48,530 at the 10th percentile to $130,820 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a cost estimator without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is cost estimator in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to shrink by about 4% between 2024 and 2034 — declining. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.0/5
- Mathematics4.0/5
- Speaking3.9/5
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Critical Thinking3.8/5
- Writing3.5/5
- Active Learning3.3/5
Knowledge areas
- Mathematics4.4/5
- Economics and Accounting4.0/5
- Computers and Electronics3.5/5
- Engineering and Technology3.4/5
- Building and Construction3.3/5
- Administration and Management3.2/5
- English Language3.2/5
- Design3.1/5
Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving, Social Perceptiveness.