Salaries of cost estimators vary widely by experience, education, size of firm, and industry. Median annual earnings of cost estimators in 2002 were $47,550. The middle 50 percent earned between $36,440 and $62,040. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,670, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $79,240. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of cost estimators in 2002 were:
| Nonresidential building construction | $53,820 |
| Building equipment contractors | 50,240 |
| Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors | 47,630 |
| Residential building construction | 47,180 |
| Building finishing contractors | 45,630 |
College graduates with degrees in fields that provide a strong background in cost estimating, such as engineering or construction management, could start at a higher level. According to a 2003 salary survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, bachelorÕs degree candidates with degrees in construction science/management received job offers averaging $42,229 a year.
Accurately forecasting the cost of future projects is vital to the survival of any business. Cost estimators develop the cost information that business owners or managers need to make a bid for a contract or to determine if a proposed new product will be profitable. They also determine which endeavors are making a profit.
Regardless of the industry in which they work, estimators compile and analyze data on all of the factors that can influence costs—such as materials, labor, location, and special machinery requirements, including computer hardware and software. Job duties vary widely depending on the type and size of the project.
The methods of and motivations for estimating costs can differ greatly by industry. On a construction project, for example, the estimating process begins with the decision to submit a bid. After reviewing various preliminary drawings and specifications, the estimator visits the site of the proposed project. The estimator needs to gather information on access to the site and availability of electricity, water, and other services, as well as on surface topography and drainage. The information developed during the site visit usually is recorded in a signed report that is included in the final project estimate.
After the site visit is completed, the estimator determines the quantity of materials and labor the firm will need to furnish. This process, called the quantity survey or "takeoff,Ó involves completing standard estimating forms, filling in dimensions, number of units, and other information. A cost estimator working for a general contractor, for example, will estimate the costs of all items the contractor must provide. Although subcontractors will estimate their costs as part of their own bidding process, the general contractorÕs cost estimator often analyzes bids made by subcontractors as well. Also during the takeoff process, the estimator must make decisions concerning equipment needs, sequence of operations, crew size, and physical constraints at the site. Allowances for the waste of materials, inclement weather, shipping delays, and other factors that may increase costs also must be incorporated in the estimate.
On completion of the quantity surveys, the estimator prepares a cost summary for the entire project, including the costs of labor, equipment, materials, subcontracts, overhead, taxes, insurance, markup, and any other costs that may affect the project. The chief estimator then prepares the bid proposal for submission to the owner.
Construction cost estimators also may be employed by the projectÕs architect or owner to estimate costs or to track actual costs relative to bid specifications as the project develops. In large construction companies employing more than one estimator, it is common practice for estimators to specialize. For example, one may estimate only electrical work and another may concentrate on excavation, concrete, and forms.
In manufacturing and other firms, cost estimators usually are assigned to the engineering, cost, or pricing departments. The estimatorsÕ goal in manufacturing is to accurately estimate the costs associated with making products. The job may begin when management requests an estimate of the costs associated with a major redesign of an existing product or the development of a new product or production process. When estimating the cost of developing a new product, for example, the estimator works with engineers, first reviewing blueprints or conceptual drawings to determine the machining operations, tools, gauges, and materials that would be required for the job. The estimator then prepares a parts list and determines whether it is more efficient to produce or to purchase the parts. To do this, the estimator must initiate inquiries for price information from potential suppliers. Some high-technology products require a tremendous amount of computer programming during the design phase. Some cost estimators now specialize in estimating only computer software development and related costs.
The cost estimator then prepares time-phase charts and learning curves. Time-phase charts indicate the time required for tool design and fabrication, tool "debuggingÓ—finding and correcting all problems—manufacturing of parts, assembly, and testing. These curves are commonly called "cost reductionÓ curves because many problems—such as engineering changes, rework, parts shortages, and lack of operator skills—diminish as the number of parts produced increases, resulting in lower unit costs.
Using all of this information, the estimator then calculates the standard labor hours necessary to produce a predetermined number of units. The estimator then compares the cost of purchasing parts with the firmÕs cost of manufacturing them to determine which is cheaper.
Computers play an integral role in cost estimation because estimating often involves complex mathematical calculations and requires advanced mathematical techniques. For example, to undertake a parametric analysis (a process used to estimate project costs on a per unit basis, subject to the specific requirements of a project), cost estimators use a computer database containing information on costs and conditions of many other similar projects. Computers also are used to produce all of the necessary documentation with the help of word-processing and spreadsheet software, leaving estimators more time to study and analyze projects.
Operations research, production control, cost, and price analysts who work for government agencies may do significant amounts of cost estimating in the course of their regular duties. (For more information, see the statements on operations research analysts and construction managers elsewhere in the Handbook.) .
Overall employment of cost estimators is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2012. In addition to openings created by growth, some job openings will arise from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. In construction and manufacturing—the primary employers of cost estimators—job prospects should be best for those with industry work experience and a bachelorÕs degree in a related field.
Growth of the construction industry, in which 53 percent of all cost estimators are employed, will be the driving force behind the demand for these workers. Construction and repair of highways, streets, and bridges, as well as construction of more subway systems, airports, water and sewage systems, and electric power plants and transmission lines, will stimulate demand for many more cost estimators. The increasing population and its changing demographics that will boost the demand for residential construction and remodeling also will spur demand for cost estimators. As the population ages, the demand for nursing and extended care facilities will increase. School construction and repair also will add to the demand for cost estimators. Job prospects in construction should be best for cost estimators with a degree in construction management or construction science, engineering, or architecture, and who have practical experience in various phases of construction or in a specialty craft area.
Employment of cost estimators in manufacturing will also grow, but not as fast as in construction as firms continue to use their services to identify and control operating costs. Experienced estimators with degrees in engineering, science, mathematics, business administration, or economics should have the best job prospects in manufacturing.
.Job entry requirements for cost estimators vary by industry. In the construction industry, employers increasingly prefer individuals with a degree in building construction, construction management, construction science, engineering, or architecture. However, most construction estimators also have considerable construction experience, gained through work in the industry, internships, or cooperative education programs. Applicants with a thorough knowledge of construction materials, costs, and procedures in areas ranging from heavy construction to electrical work, plumbing systems, or masonry work have a competitive edge.
In manufacturing industries, employers prefer to hire individuals with a degree in engineering, physical science, operations research, mathematics, or statistics; or in accounting, finance, business, economics, or a related subject. In most industries, great emphasis is placed on experience involving quantitative techniques.
Cost estimators should have an aptitude for mathematics, be able to quickly analyze, compare, and interpret detailed and sometimes poorly defined information, and be able to make sound and accurate judgments based on this knowledge. Assertiveness and self-confidence in presenting and supporting their conclusions are important, as are strong communications and interpersonal skills, because estimators may work as part of a project team alongside managers, owners, engineers, and design professionals. Cost estimators also need knowledge of computers, including word-processing and spreadsheet packages. In some instances, familiarity with special estimation software or programming skills also may be required.
Regardless of their background, estimators receive much training on the job because every company has its own way of handling estimates. Working with an experienced estimator, they become familiar with each step in the process. Those with no experience reading construction specifications or blueprints first learn that aspect of the work. They then may accompany an experienced estimator to the construction site or shop floor, where they observe the work being done, take measurements, or perform other routine tasks. As they become more knowledgeable, estimators learn how to tabulate quantities and dimensions from drawings and how to select the appropriate material prices.
For most estimators, advancement takes the form of higher pay and prestige. Some move into management positions, such as project manager for a construction firm or manager of the industrial engineering department for a manufacturer. Others may go into business for themselves as consultants, providing estimating services for a fee to government or to construction or manufacturing firms.
Many colleges and universities include cost estimating as part of bachelorÕs and associate degree curriculums in civil engineering, industrial engineering, and construction management or construction engineering technology. In addition, cost estimating is a significant part of many masterÕs degree programs in construction science or construction management. Organizations representing cost estimators, such as the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE International) and the Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis (SCEA), also sponsor educational and professional development programs. These programs help students, estimators-in-training, and experienced estimators stay abreast of changes affecting the profession. Specialized courses and programs in cost estimating techniques and procedures also are offered by many technical schools, community colleges, and universities.
Voluntary certification can be valuable to cost estimators because it provides professional recognition of the estimatorÕs competence and experience. In some instances, individual employers may even require professional certification for employment. Both AACE International and SCEA administer certification programs. To become certified, estimators usually must have between 2 and 8 years of estimating experience and must pass an examination. In addition, certification requirements may include publication of at least one article or paper in the field.
.Other workers who quantitatively analyze information include accountants and auditors; budget analysts; claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators; economists; financial analysts and personal financial advisors; insurance underwriters; loan counselors and officers; market and survey researchers; and operations research analysts. In addition, the duties of industrial production managers and construction managers also may involve analyzing costs.
Information about career opportunities, certification, educational programs, and cost estimating techniques may be obtained from:
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AACE International has members in 78 countries and currently includes 70 local sections. We strongly encourage you to take a few minutes to complete this survey -- your participation is VERY important. This CD contains the 2004 issues of Cost Engineering journal, and is fully searchable. NEW RECOMMENDED PRACTICE AVAILABLE. ArenaSoft_Estimating,_LLC ARES_Corporation Avila_Government_Services,_Inc.
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Nature of the Work Accurately predicting the cost of future projects is vital to the survival of any business. The methods of, and motivations for estimating costs can vary greatly, depending on the industry. On a large construction project, for example, the estimating process begins with the decision to submit a bid. After reviewing the architect's drawings and specifications, the estimator visits the site of the proposed project. In large construction companies employing more than one estimator, it is common practice for estimators to specialize.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh9899/155.htm
The future demand for cost estimators will be driven by the growth of the construction industry. Cost Estimator Career Overview and Job Description Being able to accurately project the cost of upcoming projects is vital to the survival of any company. The also work to determine which endeavors are making an adequate profit. They are responsible to analyze and compile data on each factor that may have an influence on costs. Among various industries the processes and purposes for estimating costs can differ significantly.
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Back to Top Cost estimators figure out how much a project or product will cost. Cost estimators also find out which jobs are making a profit. In construction, they look at drawings and visit the site of the project. In manufacturing and other firms, they are assigned to the engineering, cost, or pricing departments. Back to Top Cost estimators held about 188,000 jobs in 2002.
Summary of: http://www.bls.gov/k12/math05.htm
Costs engineers usually have an engineering background and apply scientific principles and methods to undertake feasibility studies, value engineering, and life-cycle costing. The methods of and motivations for estimating costs can vary greatly, depending on the industry. On a construction project, for example, the estimating process begins with the decision to submit a bid. After reviewing various drawings and specifications, the estimator visits the site of the proposed project. In large construction companies employing more than one estimator, it is common practice for estimators to specialize.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh20002001/207.htm
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You need specialized knowledge, specialized tools, and a whole lot of elbow grease to build your business right and keep it growing strong. They understand what you face every day, so you can use their expert knowledge to increase your bottom line. Find estimated prices for every common building material. Buy a National cost book once and keep it updated throughout the year at no extra charge. BUILDING CODES Build it right, build it to code.
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Growth of the construction industry will be the driving force behind the demand for cost estimators. In construction and manufacturing, job prospects should be best for those with industry work experience and a bachelorÕs degree in a related field. They also determine which endeavors are making a profit. The methods of and motivations for estimating costs can differ greatly by industry. The information developed during the site visit usually is recorded in a signed report that is included in the final project estimate.
Summary of: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos006.htm
Estimators read bid proposals and look at blueprints and drawings. They may research costs for projects such as dams, highways, bridges, factories, transportation equipment, computer chips, or software. Estimators research how long it takes workers to finish tasks. They estimate delays that can arise from bad weather or late deliveries. They like jobs offering steady employment and good pay.
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