How to become cost estimatorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Management & Consulting Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$78,740

25th–75th pct. $61,150–$101,850

Top pay (est.)

$170,100

Top 10% $130,820

Pay in 5 years

$87,000est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$96,100est.

$82,700–$111,600

Outlook score

38/100

★★☆☆☆ Below average

AI replacement risk

71%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

−3.1%

18K openings / yr

How to become cost estimators

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Cost Estimators

Key skills

Reading Comprehension

4.1

Critical Thinking

4.1

Mathematics

4.1

Speaking

4.0

Active Listening

4.0

Writing

4.0

Active Learning

3.9

Judgment and Decision Making

3.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mathematics

5.7

Economics and Accounting

4.8

Computers and Electronics

4.4

Building and Construction

4.1

Administration and Management

4.1

Engineering and Technology

3.9

Design

3.7

Administrative

3.6

What the work involves

Analyzing Data or InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeProcessing InformationGetting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Important abilities

Number FacilityOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningWritten Comprehension

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

82%

Associate's degree

Master's degree

High school diploma

Training before entry

1–2 years

23%

6–12 months

23%

Up to 1 month

18%

3–6 months

14%

1–3 months

None / short demo

2–4 years

4–10 years

Related work experience

2–4 years

50%

1–2 years

27%

None

14%

4–6 years

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as cost estimators

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	General and Operations Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations.	$105,770	62/100	54%
2	Business Operations Specialists, All Other All business operations specialists not listed separately.	$83,050	65/100	30%
3	Project Management Specialists Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis.	$102,320	57/100	70%
4	Human Resources Specialists Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization.	$75,940	59/100	61%
5	Management Analysts Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively.	$101,860	69/100	66%
6	Financial Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.	$166,570	65/100	65%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.