Employment of cost estimators is projected to grow 9 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations.
Demand for cost estimators is expected to continue because companies need accurate cost projections to ensure that their products and services are profitable.
Growth in the construction industry is expected to create the majority of new jobs for cost estimators, particularly in the specialty trade contractors industries.
Job Prospects
Overall job prospects should be good. Those with a bachelor's degree, industry work experience, and excellent math skills should have the best job opportunities. Knowledge of building information modeling (BIM) software is helpful for those seeking employment in construction.
Jobs of cost estimators working in construction, like those of workers in many other trades in the construction industry, are sensitive to changing economic conditions.
Cost Estimators
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Cost estimators
9%
Business operations specialists
7%
Total, all occupations
7%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program