Cost Estimators

Employment for cost estimators is expected to decline by 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. More powerful estimation software is allowing estimators to work more productively. As in most industries, highly trained college graduates and those with the most experience will have the best job prospects.

Many jobs will arise from the need to replace workers leaving the industry, either to retire or change jobs. In addition, growth within the residential and commercial construction industry is a large cause for much of the employment demand for estimators. The fastest growing areas in construction are in specialty trade and government projects, including the building and repairing of highways, streets, bridges, subway systems, airports, water and sewage systems, and electric power plants and transmission lines. Additionally, opportunities will be good in residential and school construction, as well as in the construction of nursing and extended care facilities. Cost estimators with degrees in construction management or in construction science, engineering, or architecture, and knowledge of building information modeling and computer-aided design software, will have the best employment prospects.

In manufacturing, employment is predicted to increase slightly, by 0.8 percent, from 2023 to 2033, but estimators will continue to be needed to control operating costs. Estimators with degrees in engineering, science, mathematics, business administration, or economics will have the best employment prospects in this industry.