Occupation AtlasCost Estimators
O*NET · 13-1051.00
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.
Also called Acquisition Cost Estimator · Analyst · Building Construction Estimator · Building Estimator · Civil Estimator · Commercial Construction Estimator · Commercial Estimator · Commercial Roofing Estimator
33 more
Concrete Estimator · Construction Estimator · Construction Job Cost Estimator · Cost Analyst · Cost Consultant · Cost Engineer · Cost Estimating Analyst · Cost Estimator · Cost Recovery Tech · Cost Recovery Technician (Cost Recovery Tech) · Crating and Moving Estimator · Drywall Estimator · Electrical Estimator · Estimating Specialist · Estimator · Flooring Estimator · Heavy Civil Estimator · Industrial Estimator · Investment Recovery Tech · Investment Recovery Technician (Investment Recovery Tech) · Job Cost Estimator · Job Estimator · Mechanical Estimator · Plumbing Estimator · Print Estimator · Printing Estimator · Production Cost Estimator · Project Estimator · Quantity Surveyor · Sales Estimator · Service Advisor · Service Writer · Structural Steel Estimator
Compare with another occupationCompare with Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CEIConventional · Enterprising · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional6.44
- E Enterprising4.65
- I Investigative3.18
- R Realistic3.01
- S Social1.66
- A Artistic1.12
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (50%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (23%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (36%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- MathematicsbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- WritingbasicImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare and manage a budget for a short-term project
- CoordinationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
Show the other 23
- PersuasionImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- NegotiationImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Service OrientationImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- InstructingImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- ProgrammingImportance 1.5Level 0.9
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Technology DesignImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- SciencebasicImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
14 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.Importance 4.3
- Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.Importance 4.2
- Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.Importance 4.2
- Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.Importance 4.1
- Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.Importance 4.0
- Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.Importance 4.0
- Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.Importance 4.0
- Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.Importance 4.0
- Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.Importance 4.0
- Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.Importance 3.8
- Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project.Importance 3.7
- Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to reduce cost.Importance 3.5
Show the other 2
- Visit site and record information about access, drainage and topography, and availability of utility services.Importance 3.3
- Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.Importance 3.2
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- MathematicsImportance 4.4Level 5.7
- Economics and AccountingImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
- Building and ConstructionImportance 3.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- English LanguageImportance 3.2Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- DesignImportance 3.1Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
Show all 33
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- MechanicalImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
- AdministrativeImportance 2.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- PhysicsImportance 2.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.6Level 2.6
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.5Level 2.9
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.2Level 2.6
- TransportationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- GeographyImportance 1.9Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Communications and MediaImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- PsychologyImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- ChemistryImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- BiologyImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.3Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.3Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.2Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.2Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Number FacilityImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 5 looks like: Compute the interest payment that should be generated from an investment
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.9
Show all 52
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Information OrderingImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- VisualizationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- OriginalityImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.3Level —
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.1Level —
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.6Level 5.8
- Getting InformationImportance 4.6Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 4.5Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.3Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.2Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Processing InformationImportance 4.1Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
Show all 41
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.8Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.8Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.8Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.8Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.4Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 2.7
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.6Level 2.9
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.1Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
65 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (5)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- ConstructConnect PlanSwift
- On Center On-Screen Takeoff
Hot (13; 3 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk Revit
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
- Procore software
- SAP software
- Trimble SketchUp Pro
Other tools (47)
- Apple AppleWorks
- Assured Software JPP
- Choice Job Cost
- Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
- ConEst BidTrac
- ConEst Electrical Formulas
- ConEst Intellibid
- ConEst IntelliBid Design Build
- ConEst JobTrac
- ConEst Permit Trac
- ConEst SureCount
- ConEst T&M Billing Manager
- Construction Management Software ProEst
- Corel QuattroPro
- Cost accounting software
- Cost estimating software
- CPR International GeneralCOST Estimator
- CPR Visual Estimator
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Decisioneering Crystal Ball
- EFI Hagen OA
- Galorath SEER
- Galorath SEER-SEM
- HCSS HeavyBid
- HCSS HeavyJob
- IBM Costimater
- IBM Lotus 1-2-3
- Laserfiche Avante
- Logic Software Easy Projects.NET
- Microsoft Business Contact Manager
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft OneNote
- Oracle Hyperion
- Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
- Palisade @Risk
- PRICE Sytems TruePlanning
- Primavera Cost Management
- QSM SLIM Suite
- Resources Calculations Incorporated SoftCost
- Sage 100 Contractor
- Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate
- Sage 50 Accounting
- SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports
- Softstar Costar COCOMO II
- Software AG enterprise software
- WinEstimator WinEst
- Xactware Xactimate
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources −1.1, Management of Material Resources −1.0
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Budget Analysts
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Material Resources −0.8, Complex Problem Solving +0.4
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Personal Financial Advisors
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Material Resources −0.9, Service Orientation +0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Accountants and Auditors
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.0, Management of Material Resources −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Insurance Underwriters
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources −1.1, Mathematics −1.1
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Customs Brokers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.2, Mathematics −1.1
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Investment Fund Managers
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −0.6, Active Learning +0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −0.9, Management of Material Resources −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.