Occupation Details
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.
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Interests
Enterprising
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$50,450.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$79,770.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$106,390.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
8,870
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
10,600
+173 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
1,035
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Economics and Accounting
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Desktop computers
- Notebook computers
- Personal computers
- Personal digital assistants PDA
- Scanners
Technology
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Apple AppleWorks
- Assured Software JPP
- Autodesk Revit
- CPR International GeneralCOST Estimator
- CPR Visual Estimator
- Choice Job Cost
- Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
- ConEst BidTrac
- ConEst Electrical Formulas
- ConEst IntelliBid Design Build
- ConEst Intellibid
- ConEst JobTrac
- ConEst Permit Trac
- ConEst SureCount
- ConEst T&M Billing Manager
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- prepare financial reports
- prepare periodic reports comparing budgeted costs to actual costs
- monitor operational budget
- negotiate business contracts
- advise clients on financial matters
- interpret maps for architecture, construction, or engineering project
- understand engineering data or reports
- understand construction specifications
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- use cost benefit analysis techniques
- use statistical cost estimation methods
- identify supplier with best bid
- confer with vendors
- bid engineering, construction or extraction projects
- estimate cost for engineering projects
- estimate materials or labor requirements
- estimate time needed for project
- estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
- convert design specifications to cost estimates
- prepare cost estimates
- estimate production costs
- compute cost estimates of construction or engineering projects
- compute financial data
- compile data for financial reports
- analyze financial data
- evaluate material specifications
- analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
- analyze budgets
- read blueprints
- read specifications
- use spreadsheet software
- use computers to enter, access and retrieve financial data
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
- Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
- Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
- Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
- Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
- Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project.
- Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
- Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.
- Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.
- Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.
- Visit site and record information about access, drainage and topography, and availability of utility services.
- Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to reduce cost.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
ACE Mentor Program Career Directions for Students in Architecture, Construction, or Engineering
The ACE Mentor Program serves high school youth who are exploring careers in Architecture, Construction, or Engineering.The mentors are professionals from leading design and construction firms who volunteer their time and energy. The program is designed to engage, inform, and challenge youth. New York Chapters include Long Island, New York City, Utica, Buffalo, Capital District, Syracuse and Binghamton
Learn MoreCost estimators
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreWest Point Bridge Design Contest
The contest provides middle and high school students with an opportunity to: Learn about engineering through a realistic, hands-on problem-solving experience, the engineering design process--the application of math, science, and technology to create devices and systems that meet human needs, learn about truss bridges and how they work and how engineers use the computer as a problem-solving tool.
Learn More