Cost Estimators
SOC Code: 13-1051
Cost Estimatorss analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates. This career typically requires considerable preparation (2-4 years). With an AI-proof score of 86.7/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics.
AI-Proof Score: 86.7 — Very High
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Median Salary
$77,070
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Job Growth
-4.2%
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Training Time
Considerable preparation (2-4 years)
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Job Zone
Zone 4 / 5
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Training Cost
~$40,000
Key Skills
- •Critical Thinking
- •Reading Comprehension
- •Mathematics
- •Speaking
- •Writing
- •Active Listening
- •Active Learning
Common Tasks
- ✓Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
- ✓Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
- ✓Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
- ✓Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
- ✓Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
Training & Resources
Why AI-Proof?
- ✅Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
- ✅Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
- ✅Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
- ✅Social and regulatory barriers to full automation