Cost Estimators
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.
How AI Impacts Each Task
14 tasks analyzed
Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
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.
Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project.
Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.
Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.
Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.
Visit site and record information about access, drainage and topography, and availability of services such as water and electricity.
Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to effect cost reduction.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 10% | |
| Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues. | 55.02Observed | 37.0% | 10% | |
| Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 10% | |
| Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates. | 70Estimated | 55.0% | 15% | |
| Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates. | 30Estimated | 27.0% | 10% | |
| Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops. | 57.07Observed | 49.8% | 10% | |
| Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 5% | |
| Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project. | 95Estimated | 87.2% | 5% | |
| Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 5% | |
| Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 5% | |
| Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors. | 42.57Observed | 66.2% | 3% | |
| Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components. | 65Estimated | 53.0% | 5% | |
| Visit site and record information about access, drainage and topography, and availability of services such as water and electricity. | 20Estimated | 17.0% | 4% | |
| Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to effect cost reduction. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 3% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Negotiation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Cost Estimators skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.
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Upskill to Reduce Risk
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
Risk score over 3 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis