Cost Estimators
(SOC 13-1051)

Print Version

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: Estimator, Cost Estimator, Estimator Project Manager, Project Manager, Construction Estimator, Cost Analyst, Design Consultant, Operations Manager, Sales Engineer

Job Responsibilities

• Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
• Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
• Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
• 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.
• Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project.
• Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
• Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
• Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to effect cost reduction.
• Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.

New Hampshire Outlook

• Average Hourly Wage*: $32.41
• Estimated Employment 2010: 885
• Projected Employment 2020: 1,122
• Expected 10-Year Growth: 26.8%
• Projected Average Annual Openings: 41

Top industries in NH for this occupation:

• Specialty Trade Contractors
• Construction of Buildings
• Building Material & Garden Supply Stores
• Repair and Maintenance
• Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
• Machinery Manufacturing

Education and Training
Most Cost Estimators have a four-year college degree. While neither experience nor on-the-job training are necessary, those who are new to the field may work with a more experienced person to improve knowledge and skills.

There is no professional license required in New Hampshire. Professional associations for this occupation offer voluntary certification programs for those looking to improve professional competence.

Interests (Holland Code): CE

• Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Career Cluster: Business, Management and Administration

Work Environment
Although cost estimators generally work in central offices, they often visit factory floors or construction sites. Cost estimators typically work under pressure and experience stress because of the need to meet deadlines. As a result, overtime is common.

Additional Information Sources**
Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis
<www.sceaonline.org>

Association for the Advancement of Cost Estimating International
<www.aacei.org>

American Society of Professional Estimators
<www.aspenational.org>

To Find a Job
Contact the nearest NH Employment Security office or go online to www.nhes.nh.gov

* New Hampshire Occupational Employment and Wages, September 2012. Wage estimates based on surveys through May 2011, adjusted to June 2012.
** Inclusion of this information is intended to provide a convenient resource for research, but in no way constitutes an endorsement for any organization; nor is the list all-inclusive.

Source:
NH Employment Projections, base year 2010 to projected year 2020
Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010, Bureau of Labor Statistics

For more information:
Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau
(603) 228-4124
elmi@nhes.nh.gov