Cost estimators
SOC Code: 13-1051
Cost estimators carries a 42% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $77,070 and -4.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 221,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Cost estimators (SOC 13-1051) carries an AI exposure score of 42%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 221,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -4.2% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $77,070, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Cost estimators. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
- 2. Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
- 3. Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
- 4. Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
- 5. Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
- 6. Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.
- 7. Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
- 8. Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
- 9. Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
- 10. Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematics
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Writing
- Complex Problem Solving
- Active Learning
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Mathematics
- Economics and Accounting
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Building and Construction
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Design
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Cost estimators?
Cost estimators has an AI exposure score of 42%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Cost estimators?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Cost estimators is projected to decline by 4.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 221,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Cost estimators?
Key skills for Cost estimators include Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Cost estimators earn?
The median annual wage for Cost estimators is $77,070, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Cost estimators?
The typical entry-level education for Cost estimators is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Cost estimators?
Cost estimators roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).