Occupation Summary

Cost Estimators

O*NET 13-1051.00

Description:

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.

Annual Wages:
$79,212.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 7.37%.
Education Level:
Bachelor's Degree. According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
Business and Industry

  1. Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
  2. Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
  3. Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
  4. Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
  5. Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
  6. Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
  7. Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.
  8. Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project.
  9. Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.
  10. Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
  11. Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.
  12. Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to reduce cost.
  13. Visit site and record information about access, drainage and topography, and availability of utility services.
  14. Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.


National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Cost Estimators employed Annual Growth Rate
Building equipment contractors 14 -0.57
Nonresidential building construction 8.5 -0.41
Building finishing contractors 8 -0.39
Building foundation and exterior contractors 7.9 -0.22
Automotive repair and maintenance 7.9 0.38
Residential building construction 7 -0.44
Other specialty trade contractors 4.9 -0.63
Highway, street, and bridge construction 2.2 -0.40
Utility system construction 2.1 -0.21
Services to buildings and dwellings 2.1 -0.41


Labor Market Information


2024 Statewide average hourly wage $38.08
2024 National average hourly wage $39.98
2022 National employment 231,400
2022 Texas employment 19,353
Texas projected employment by 2032 20,780
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2032 1,785




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
88.20%
Economics and Accounting
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
79.00%
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
70.00%
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.
68.20%
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.
66.40%
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.
63.60%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
63.60%
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
62.80%
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.
60.00%
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
58.20%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
80.00%
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
80.00%
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
77.60%
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
75.00%
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.
75.00%
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
72.40%
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
70.00%
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
67.60%
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
65.00%
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
62.40%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
82.40%
Mathematical Reasoning
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
80.00%
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
80.00%
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
80.00%
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
77.60%
Number Facility
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
77.60%
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
75.00%
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
75.00%
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
75.00%
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
72.40%


  • Getting Information
    -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Analyzing Data or Information
    -- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Working with Computers
    -- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
    -- Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
    -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Other Activities


  • Independence
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
  • 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.



Tools

Desktop computers: Desktop computers;

Notebook computers: Notebook computers;

Personal computers: Personal computers;

Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers: Personal digital assistants PDA;

Scanners: Scanners;

Tablet computers: Tablet computers;


Technology

Accounting software: Choice Job Cost; ConEst T&M Billing Manager; Cost accounting software; CPR International GeneralCOST Estimator; Intuit QuickBooks; Sage 50 Accounting;

Analytical or scientific software: QSM SLIM Suite; Resources Calculations Incorporated SoftCost; WinEstimator WinEst; Decisioneering Crystal Ball; Construction Management Software ProEst; ConEst Electrical Formulas;

Computer aided design CAD software: Computer aided design and drafting CADD software; Autodesk AutoCAD; Autodesk Revit; ConEst IntelliBid Design Build; ConEst SureCount; Dassault Systemes CATIA;

Customer relationship management CRM software: Microsoft Business Contact Manager;

Data base reporting software: Software AG enterprise software; SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports; Oracle Hyperion;

Data base user interface and query software: Microsoft Access; Sage 100 Contractor; Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate; Xactware Xactimate; Assured Software JPP;

Document management software: Adobe Acrobat; Laserfiche Avante;

Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook;

Enterprise resource planning ERP software: Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne; SAP software; Microsoft Dynamics;

Expert system software: EFI Hagen OA;

Financial analysis software: CPR Visual Estimator; IBM Costimater; ConEst Intellibid; Cost estimating software; Softstar Costar COCOMO II; Palisade @Risk; PRICE Sytems TruePlanning; Primavera Cost Management;

Graphics or photo imaging software: Trimble SketchUp Pro;

License management software: ConEst Permit Trac;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint;

Process mapping and design software: Microsoft Visio;

Project management software: Microsoft Project; Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management; On Center On-Screen Takeoff; Logic Software Easy Projects.NET; Galorath SEER; Galorath SEER-SEM; HCSS HeavyBid; HCSS HeavyJob; ConEst JobTrac; ConEst BidTrac;

Spreadsheet software: Apple AppleWorks; Corel QuattroPro; IBM Lotus 1-2-3; Microsoft Excel;

Word processing software: Microsoft OneNote; Microsoft Word;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Cost Estimators include:
  • 17-3011.00 Architectural and Civil Drafters
  • 11-9041.00 Architectural and Engineering Managers
  • 17-3022.00 Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • 17-2051.00 Civil Engineers
  • 11-9021.00 Construction Managers
  • 17-2112.00 Industrial Engineers
  • 13-1081.01 Logistics Engineers
  • 43-5061.00 Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
  • 13-1082.00 Project Management Specialists
  • 13-1023.00 Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products


Sources of Additional Information
  • For more information about cost estimators, visit: American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE)
  • Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACE International)
  • International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA)
  • Cost Estimators

  • Contact Texas Workforce Commission
    Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
    Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

    ** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.