Skip navigation

Cost Estimators - 13-1051.00

O*NET-SOC 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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Acquisition Cost Estimator
  • Analyst
  • Construction Estimator
  • Cost Analyst
  • Cost Consultant
  • Cost Engineer
  • Cost Estimating Analyst
  • Cost Estimator
  • Estimating Specialist
  • Estimator

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

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

Detailed Work Activities

  • Analyze business or financial data.
  • Assess the cost effectiveness of products, projects, or services.
  • Collect data about project sites.
  • Confer with others about financial matters.
  • Confer with personnel to coordinate business operations.
  • Develop business or financial information systems.
  • Establish business management methods.
  • Estimate costs of goods or services.
  • Inspect work sites to determine condition or necessary repairs.
  • Maintain data in information systems or databases.
  • Monitor financial indicators.
  • Negotiate agreements to resolve disputes.
  • Prepare financial documents.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Acquisition (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Advanced Engineering Aide (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Combat Engineer (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Comptroller (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Construction Planner and Estimator Specialist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Contract and Industrial Management (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Contracting Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) (Army - Enlisted)
  • Cost Analysis (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Cost Analysis (Space Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Designated Project Business Administrator (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Engineer (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Engineering Aid (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Financial Management (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Financial Manager (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • LDO - Civil Engineer Corps (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Operational Contract Support Specialist (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • SC - Civil Engineer Corps (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Undersea Weapons Project Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Weapons Control Systems Project Officer (General) (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Weapons Control Systems Project Officer (Surface) (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Weapons Equipment Project Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Yard Planning Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Estimator