Occupation
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.
$78,740 medianBelow-avg outlookBachelor's typical
O*NET 31.0 · 13-1051.00
A typical week, in the words of people in the job
- 01Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
- 02Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
- 03Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
- 04Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
- 05Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
- 06Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.
- 07Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
- 08Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
- 09Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
- 10Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.
- 11Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project.
- 12Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to reduce cost.
Task statements ranked by how many workers report them · O*NET 31.0
What the posting will be called
Construction EstimatorCost AnalystCost EstimatorEstimatorAcquisition Cost EstimatorAnalystCost ConsultantCost EngineerCost Estimating AnalystEstimating Specialist
Titles reported by employers for this occupation. Search job boards with these, not the O*NET name.
Knowledge the job leans on
MathematicsEconomics and AccountingComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyBuilding and ConstructionAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguageDesign
Skills that carry over from service
Judgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingSocial PerceptivenessManagement of Financial ResourcesCoordinationSystems AnalysisNegotiationPersuasion