Cost Estimators

service estimate cost data project conventional interests software business mathematics assess of products

Construction Estimator, Cost Analyst, Cost Estimator, Estimator

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Cost Analysis; Financial Management
Acquisition; Contract and Industrial Management; Contracting Noncommissioned Officer (NCO); Engineer; Financial Manager
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Cost Analysis
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:
  • 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.

Knowledge

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Business

  • accounting and economics
  • management

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics
  • product and service development

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Skills

Basic Skills

  • reading work related information
  • using math to solve problems

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

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

Abilities

Math

  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem
  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide

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
  • Integrity
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Persistence

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
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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