Cost Estimators
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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Cost Estimators to decrease by -3.1% between 2024 and 2034, from 226,400 to 219,500 jobs. Its estimate of 17,600 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($78,740), education (Bachelor's degree), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
226,400
Projected employment (2034)
219,500
Projected change (2024–2034)
-3%
Annual openings (projected average)
17,600
Pay & Preparation
$78,740
Bachelor's degree
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Mathematics (4/5) • Reading Comprehension (4/5) • Speaking (3.88/5) • Active Listening (3.75/5) • Critical Thinking (3.75/5) • Judgment and Decision Making (3.62/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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