Cost Estimator
Explore employment trends, required job duties and skills for this career. ASU offers a variety of degrees that can help you prepare for and meet your career goals. Visit ASU's Career and Professional Development Services to learn how to develop your career plan.
Potential job titles in this career
Acquisition Cost Estimator,
Analyst,
Construction Estimator,
Cost Analyst,
Cost Consultant,
Cost Engineer,
Cost Estimating Analyst,
Cost Estimator,
Estimating Specialist,
Estimator
* Additional schooling, certification, or degrees maybe be required for some of the potential careers that are listed.
What will I do?
In this career, it is important to know
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
It's useful to be good at
Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Number Facility - The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Employment trends
| Location | Pay period | 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | 25% | Median% | 75% | 90% | ||
| United States | Hourly | $20.25 | $25.52 | $34.23 | $44.91 | $57.98 |
| Yearly | $42,110 | $53,080 | $71,200 | $93,420 | $120,600 | |
| Arizona | Hourly | $21.31 | $26.77 | $35.16 | $46.17 | $60.15 |
| Yearly | $44,330 | $55,680 | $73,140 | $96,030 | $125,120 | |
| 2022 Median% | ||
|---|---|---|
| United States | $34.23 Hourly | $71,200 Yearly |
| Arizona | $35.16 Hourly | $73,140 Yearly |
Employment (2022)
231,400
employees
Projected growth (2022 - 2032)
Decline (-2% or lower)
Projected job openings (2022 - 2032)
18,000
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.
