What Cost Estimators do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Cost Estimators this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "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"; "Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues"; "Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates"; "Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Cost Estimators
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 226,400 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 219,500 in 2035, a decrease of 6,900 jobs (-3.1%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 17,600 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.8% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $78,740, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Cost Estimators earn the most
Across the 3 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $81,297 in New York to $85,740 in California, a gap of $4,443 (1.05 times). 3 of those 3 states average above the BLS national median of $78,740 and 0 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 25,300, which is 44.0% of the 57,530 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 16,790.
Highest-paying states
California ($85,740), New Jersey ($81,436) and New York ($81,297) lead the ranking, while New York ($81,297) and New Jersey ($81,436) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Cost Estimators: pay against the cost of living
We compare 3 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Bergen County, NJ (New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ) at $32,122. The smallest margin is $21,694 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 3 of the 3 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 37.6% and 52.3% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Cost Estimators
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (13-1000) include Management Analysts, Project Management Specialists, Labor Relations Specialists and Logisticians.
Frequently asked questions about Cost Estimators
How much do Cost Estimators earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $78,740. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $81,297 to $85,740.
Which state pays Cost Estimators the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $85,740. New Jersey is next at $81,436.
Is Cost Estimators a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 3.1% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 17,600 openings a year.
What education do Cost Estimators need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Cost Estimators afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Bergen County, NJ leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $32,122 on a median wage of $82,380.