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Cost Estimators

Earn Your Worth with a Career in Cost-Estimating

Cost estimators play a vital role in ensuring a company accurately anticipates the costs associated with projects in industries like manufacturing and construction. They compile and analyze all relevant data before any activity begins by considering the cost of materials, labor, location, special requirements, and time constraints. Cost estimators influence the company's budget throughout a project from bidding to completion, providing updates and changes as they come, ensuring that the project remains financially viable.

Sometimes, cost estimators will specialize in construction or manufacturing, but regardless, they spend equal parts of their time on site and in the office.

By 2028, the number of Cost Estimators will have increased by approximately 19 percent.

19% Growth

Cost Estimators are needed in a variety of industries...

 

Top 5 Industries for Cost Estimators

 

Cost Estimator salaries start off at nearly $11,000 above the median for all occupations and later they can see increases of roughly $45,000 more per year from entry-level to median and from median to experienced.

Entry $51,441 Median $74,341 Experience $96,660

What interests are good for a career as a Cost Estimator?*

These skills, interests, and knowledge areas are recommended for a career in marine engineering. The following data describes the relative importance of each knowledge/skill area from the opinion of those in the industry.

           88.6%

Mathematics

Knowing arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, and their theories to apply them into real world problems

                76.4%

Engineering & Technology

Knowing practical applications of engineering sciences and applying them to practical manufacturing and construction practices.

               70%

Economics & Accounting

Practicing the principles of economics and accounting practices, trends in the financial markets, and reporting financial data in reference to practical costs.

*Source: Texas Career Check.

So how do I pursue a career as a Cost Estimator?

High School Endorsement: Business & Industry

SO HOW DO I PURSUE A CAREER AS A COST ESTIMATOR? Entry requirements for cost estimators vary by industry. Construction companies, where more than half of all cost estimators are employed, are increasingly seeking individuals with degrees in building construction, construction management, construction science, engineering, or architecture. Most cost estimators in the construction industry, however, have prior construction experience and have advanced into the position by demonstrating the ability to perform the required tasks. Manufacturing companies generally seek individuals with a technical degree in engineering, physical science, operations research, mathematics, or statistics. Some manufacturing companies will alternatively seek individuals with a degree in accounting, finance, business, or economics. A cost estimator, generally, must have at least a bachelor's degree that provides a strong background in research and mathematics, or an industry related field.

Entry requirements for cost estimators vary by industry. Construction companies, where more than half of all cost estimators are employed, are increasingly seeking individuals with degrees in building construction, construction management, construction science, engineering, or architecture. Most cost estimators in the construction industry, however, have prior construction experience and have advanced into the position by demonstrating the ability to perform the required tasks.

Manufacturing companies generally seek individuals with a technical degree in engineering, physical science, operations research, mathematics, or statistics. Some manufacturing companies will alternatively seek individuals with a degree in accounting, finance, business, or economics to focus in on the business side of the estimation process. 

Helpful Tech to Know:

  • Computer Aided Design (CAD) Software: Autodesk AutoCAD, ConEst SureCount, or Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Database Reporting & Query Software: Oracle Hyperion or Microsoft Access
  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software: Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne or SAP
  • Project Management Software: ConEst Job Trac, Microsoft Project, or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

Professional Organizations and Certifications

The American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) offers continued education and training as well as a certification program to become a certified professional estimator (CPE).

The Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (ACCE International) sponsors educational and professional development programs as well as several different certifications for cost estimators.

The Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis (SCEA) sponsors educational and professional development programs as well as a several different certification programs for cost estimators.

Gulf Coast Region

GULF COAST REGION Many community colleges offer degree programs that can help lead to employment as a cost estimator in the construction industry (building construction, construction management, construction science, engineering, or architecture). Some offer a larger selection of related degree programs than others, so be sure and investigate all of them. Many community colleges offer degree programs that can help lead to employment as a cost estimator in the construction industry (building construction, construction management, construction science, engineering, or architecture).

Some offer a larger selection of related degree programs than others, so be sure and investigate all of them.

Community Colleges

 

Universities

Major Employers in the Gulf Coast Region

  

If you have questions about our Industry/Occupation Profiles or are an organization in the Gulf Coast Region, please contact webmaster@wrksolutions.com.

*Includes the following counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, and Wharton.

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