Cost Estimators earn a median of $78,740 per year ($37.86/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to fall 3.1% through 2035, with about 17,600 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
- SOC 13-1051
- Business and Financial Operations
- Last updated October 15, 2026
At a glance
Cost Estimator in four numbers
- Median pay
- $78,740a year, or $37.86/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $49KTop 10% $131K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -3.1%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−3.1%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −3.1% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 17,600226,400 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 2025226.4K
- Projected 2035219.5K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 226.4K Projected 2035 219.5K - Typical education
- Bachelor'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school4.6%
- Associate's9.1%
- Bachelor's81.8%
- Master's4.6%
Highest education held by cost estimators Segment Value High school 4.6% Associate's 9.1% Bachelor's 81.8% Master's 4.6%
Also advertised as: Acquisition Cost Estimator, Analyst, Construction Estimator, Cost Analyst, Cost Consultant, Cost Engineer.
Pay
How much do cost estimators make?
Cost Estimators earn a median of $78,740 a year ($37.86 an hour, or about $6,560 a month); the lowest-paid 10% earn less than $48,530 and the top 10% more than $130,820 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The best-paying state is Massachusetts, with a median of $100,840. See Cost estimator salary in Massachusetts and every other state. By city, pay is highest around San Francisco ($109,530 average): salary in every city.
Every cost estimator in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$78,740
Middle half earn $61,150 to $101,850
- 10th
- $48,530
- 25th
- $61,150
- 75th
- $101,850
- 90th
- $130,820
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $48,530 |
| 25th | $61,150 |
| Median | $78,740 |
| 75th | $101,850 |
| 90th | $130,820 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $78,740
- Median hourly wage
- $37.86/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $85,390
- People employed
- 224,220
Versus all US occupations
At $78,740, Cost Estimators earn 54% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $27,760 a year.
Versus business and financial operations occupations
The median is typical for the Business and Financial Operations group, where the middle occupation pays $80,730.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $130,820 or more while the bottom 10% earn $48,530, a gap of 2.7×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 57% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
Massachusetts posts the highest raw median ($100,840), but once local prices are taken into account Wyoming leads at $97,949 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay cost estimators the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Massachusetts | $100,840 | $95,351 | 4,520 |
| 2Alaska | $97,020 | $94,784 | 220 |
| 3Wyoming | $90,790 | $97,949 | 440 |
| 4Colorado | $86,940 | $84,365 | 6,100 |
| 5Washington | $86,070 | $80,429 | 7,470 |
| 6California | $85,460 | $77,186 | 26,020 |
| 7Illinois | $82,750 | $82,785 | 5,990 |
| 8District of Columbia | $82,730 | $75,277 | 270 |
| 9Nevada | $82,200 | $82,217 | 2,240 |
| 10Rhode Island | $81,990 | $80,162 | 590 |
Job outlook
Is cost estimator a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -3.1% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost Estimators | −3.1% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Cost Estimators to change -3.1% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 6,900 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 17,600 openings are projected each year, 7.8% of the 226,400 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Cost estimation software is improving the productivity of these workers, requiring fewer estimators to do the same amount of work. This is expected to reduce demand for cost estimators.
However, there will likely continue to be some demand for these workers because companies need accurate cost projections to ensure that their products and services are profitable.
AI exposure: high
BLS places this occupation in its high relative AI exposure category, above the middle of the pack: a substantial share of the work overlaps with what AI can do.
Getting in
How to become a cost estimator
Cost estimators typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation, although workers with several years of experience in construction sometimes qualify in that industry without a degree.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Bachelor's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Considerable preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as cost estimators.
- Bachelor's Degree81.8%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree9.1%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)4.6%
- Master's Degree4.6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 81.8% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 9.1% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 4.6% |
| Master's Degree | 4.6% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a cost estimator 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.
Cost estimators collect and analyze data in order to assess the time, money, materials, and labor required to manufacture a product, construct a building, or provide a service. They generally specialize in a particular product or industry.
Day-to-day tasks
- 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.
- Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
- Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
- Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to reduce cost.
- Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
- Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most cost estimators work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeSeated for more than half the working day.
Standing
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where cost estimators work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Specialty trade contractors33%
- Construction of buildings15%
- Manufacturing12%
- Automotive repair and maintenance9%
- Heavy and civil engineering construction5%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Specialty trade contractors | 33% |
| Construction of buildings | 15% |
| Manufacturing | 12% |
| Automotive repair and maintenance | 9% |
| Heavy and civil engineering construction | 5% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension4.0
- Mathematics4.0
- Speaking3.9
- Active Listening3.8
- Critical Thinking3.8
- Writing3.5
- Active Learning3.3
- Monitoring3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 4.0 |
| Mathematics | 4.0 |
| Speaking | 3.9 |
| Active Listening | 3.8 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.8 |
| Writing | 3.5 |
| Active Learning | 3.3 |
| Monitoring | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.6
- Complex Problem Solving3.4
- Social Perceptiveness3.1
- Coordination3.1
- Management of Financial Resources3.1
- Persuasion3.0
- Negotiation3.0
- Systems Analysis3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.6 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.4 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.1 |
| Coordination | 3.1 |
| Management of Financial Resources | 3.1 |
| Persuasion | 3.0 |
| Negotiation | 3.0 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Accounting software · in demand
- Analytical or scientific software · in demand
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Graphics or photo imaging software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Process mapping and design software · in demand
- Project management software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
The workforce
Who works as a cost estimator?
Women make up 20.5% of cost estimators, against 47.1% of all employed people: more men than in the workforce as a whole.
30.8% are 55 or older (23.2% across all jobs), so a larger-than-usual share of the workforce reaches retirement age over the next decade. Those exits are counted in the BLS openings figure.
The median worker is 45.5 years old (all workers: 42.1).
- Women
- 20.5%All workers 47.1% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Median age
- 45.5All workers 42.1 · BLS CPS, 2025
- Aged 55+
- 30.8%All workers 23.2% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Employed (CPS)
- 146,000BLS CPS, 2025
| Group | Share of cost estimators | All employed people |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 20.5% | 47.1% |
| White | 89.0% | 75.7% |
| Black or African American | 3.2% | 12.7% |
| Asian | 4.3% | 7.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 14.3% | 20.0% |
| Aged 55 and over | 30.8% | 23.2% |
| Aged 16 to 24 | 6.8% | 12.2% |
Current Population Survey annual averages, 2025 (BLS tables 11 and 11b). Race groups can overlap with Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, so they do not sum to 100%.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a cost estimator?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Cost Estimator |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 3 |
| Investigative | 3 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 5 |
| Conventional | 6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around organising, following procedures and working precisely with data, combined with leading, persuading, selling and making decisions.
- Conventional6.4
- Enterprising4.7
- Investigative3.2
- Realistic3.0
- Social1.7
- Artistic1.1
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Cost Estimator
O*NET related occupations
- Business and Financial Operations
- Architecture and Engineering
Civil Engineering Technologist and Technician
$64,950median a year
Most earn $44K to $99K
+3.2%Associate's - Management
- Architecture and Engineering
- Management
- Office and Administrative Support
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk
$59,650median a year
Most earn $40K to $86K
−1.3%High school
More business and financial operations careers
Median annual pay, with cost estimators highlighted
- Financial Advisor$105,070
- Accountant$83,680
- Insurance Underwriter$81,370
- Coroner$80,730
- Cost Estimator$78,740
- Claims Adjuster, Examiner, and Investigator$78,000
- Loan Officer$76,690
- Human Resources Specialist$75,940
- Appraiser and Assessor of Real Estate$67,960
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Financial Advisor | $105,070 |
| Accountant | $83,680 |
| Insurance Underwriter | $81,370 |
| Coroner | $80,730 |
| Cost Estimator | $78,740 |
| Claims Adjuster, Examiner, and Investigator | $78,000 |
| Loan Officer | $76,690 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $75,940 |
| Appraiser and Assessor of Real Estate | $67,960 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within cost estimator
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Cost Estimator appears on
Questions
Cost Estimator: frequently asked questions
How much do cost estimators make?
Cost Estimators earn a median of $78,740 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 54% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $37.86/hr. The middle half earn between $61,150 and $101,850. The top 10% earn $130,820 or more.
How much do cost estimators make an hour?
The median hourly wage for cost estimators is $37.86 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). On a full-year basis the $78,740 annual median works out to about $6,560 a month before tax.
What is the starting salary for a cost estimator?
BLS does not publish a starting salary. The nearest measure is the low end of the pay range: the lowest-paid 10% of cost estimators earn less than $48,530 a year and the bottom quarter less than $61,150 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). New workers often start near that end, but where a particular job starts depends on the employer, the state and the credentials you bring, so read these as the bottom of the range rather than a guaranteed entry wage.
Do cost estimators make $100k?
Some do. $100,000 sits between the median ($78,740) and the 75th percentile ($101,850), so roughly a quarter to a half of cost estimators earn more than that (BLS OEWS, May 2025). One state has a median above $100,000: Massachusetts ($100,840).
Which states pay cost estimators the most?
The highest state medians for Cost Estimators are Massachusetts ($100,840), Alaska ($97,020), Wyoming ($90,790) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Wyoming moves to the top at $97,949.
What kind of cost estimator earns the most?
BLS does not split cost estimators' pay by specialty or employer, but its range shows how far the top end runs: the highest-paid 10% earn more than $130,820, against a median of $78,740 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Location moves pay the most in the published data: the best-paying states are Massachusetts ($100,840), Alaska ($97,020), Wyoming ($90,790). BLS also counts 4 specialty careers inside this occupation (construction claims consultant, cost segregation specialist, quantity surveyor, reserve study specialist), which share its federal pay figures.
Do you need a degree to become a cost estimator?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Cost Estimators, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as considerable preparation. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 81.8% hold bachelor's degree.
How long does it take to become a cost estimator?
BLS does not publish a fixed length; it depends on the route. What it does publish: the typical way in for cost estimators is a bachelor's degree. Once hired, BLS lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical. O*NET classes the work as needing considerable preparation.
Is cost estimator a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 3.1% over 2025–2035, a loss of 6,900 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 17,600 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a cost estimator do?
Cost estimators collect and analyze data in order to assess the time, money, materials, and labor required to manufacture a product, construct a building, or provide a service. A core O*NET task: analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates. Employers most often ask for Accounting software, Analytical or scientific software, Computer aided design CAD software.
Do cost estimators work 40 hours a week?
Yes, for most. In O*NET's survey of people in the job, 46% of cost estimators usually work more than 40 hours a week, 55% work exactly 40 and 0% work fewer. 64% say their schedule is regular and 36% irregular. Source: O*NET 31.0 Database, Work Context.
What personality type suits a cost estimator?
O*NET scores Cost Estimators highest on the Conventional, Enterprising and Investigative interest areas, so the work mixes organising, following procedures and working precisely with data with leading, persuading, selling and making decisions. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping the closest types are ESTJ, ISTJ. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.
What percentage of cost estimators are women?
Women make up 20.5% of cost estimators, against 47.1% of all employed people: more men than in the workforce as a whole. 30.8% are 55 or older (23.2% across all jobs), so a larger-than-usual share of the workforce reaches retirement age over the next decade. Those exits are counted in the BLS openings figure. The median worker is 45.5 years old (all workers: 42.1). Source: BLS Current Population Survey, 2025 annual averages.