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.

$77,070

Median Annual Pay

Jobs growth:

-4% projected 2024–2034

Bachelor's degree

Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Cost estimators analyze project requirements and calculate what it will take to complete them successfully. They review blueprints, specifications, and proposals to identify all necessary materials, labor, and equipment. During a typical day, they might visit construction sites to assess conditions, consult with engineers and contractors about technical details, or use specialized software to generate detailed cost breakdowns. They research current prices for materials, track labor rates in different markets, and account for factors like shipping, permits, and potential delays.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Business/Commerce(masters)Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA

Business/Commerce(masters)Northwestern University, IL

Business/Commerce(masters)Emory University, GA

Business/Commerce(masters)University of Virginia-Main Campus, VA

Mechanical Engineering(masters)Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA

Mechanical Engineering(doctoral)Stanford University, CA

Business/Commerce(masters)Michigan State University, MI

Business/Commerce(masters)University of Denver, CO

Business/Commerce(masters)Johns Hopkins University, MD

Business/Commerce(masters)University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI

Business/Commerce(masters)Indiana University-Bloomington, IN

Mechanical Engineering(masters)Santa Clara University, CA

Mechanical Engineering(masters)Stanford University, CA

Mechanical Engineering(doctoral)Purdue University-Main Campus, IN

Manufacturing Engineering(masters)Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, GA

Business/Commerce(masters)Indiana University-Indianapolis, IN

Business/Commerce(masters)Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia, PA

Business/Commerce(masters)Northeastern University Professional Programs, MA

Business/Commerce(masters)Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA

Business/Commerce(masters)Bentley University, MA

Business/Commerce(masters)Northeastern University, MA

Business/Commerce(masters)Nichols College, MA

Business/Commerce(masters)Harvard University, MA

Manufacturing Engineering(masters)Southern Methodist University, TX

Mechanical Engineering(masters)Johns Hopkins University, MD

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