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Cost Estimators

Also called: Construction Estimator, Cost Analyst, Cost Estimator, Estimator

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What they 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.
On the job, you would:
  • 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.

Knowledge

Math and Science
  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Engineering and Technology
  • product and service development
  • building and construction
Arts and Humanities
  • English language
Business
  • accounting and economics

Skills

Basic Skills
  • using math to solve problems
  • reading work related information
People and Technology Systems
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Math
  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide
  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem
Verbal
  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • use rules to solve problems

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Attention to Detail
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Persistence
  • Stress Tolerance

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Project management software
  • Microsoft Project Hot Technology
  • Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management Hot Technology
Word processing software
  • Microsoft OneNote
  • Microsoft Word Hot Technology
Financial analysis software
  • CPR Visual Estimator
  • Primavera Cost Management

Education

Education: (rated 4 of 5)
bachelor's degree or
master's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Below Average Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
$65,170
$38,880
$115,690
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Explore More

See more details at O*NET OnLine about cost estimators.