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.
Sample of reported job titles:
Acquisition Cost Estimator, Construction Estimator, Cost Analyst, Cost Consultant, Cost Engineer, Cost Estimator, Estimator
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
- 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.
Technology Skills
- Accounting software:Choice Job Cost,ConEst T&M Billing Manager,Cost accounting software,CPR International GeneralCOST Estimator,Intuit QuickBooks,Sage 50 Accounting
- Analytical or scientific software:ConEst Electrical Formulas,Construction Management Software ProEst,Decisioneering Crystal Ball,QSM SLIM Suite,Resources Calculations Incorporated SoftCost,WinEstimator WinEst
- Computer aided design CAD software:Autodesk AutoCAD,Autodesk Revit,Computer aided design and drafting CADD software,ConEst IntelliBid Design Build,ConEst SureCount,Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Customer relationship management CRM software:Microsoft Business Contact Manager
- Data base reporting software:Oracle Hyperion,SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports,Software AG enterprise software
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
- Working with Computers:Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Getting Information:Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Analyzing Data or Information:Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Processing Information:Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information:Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Detailed Work Activities
- Analyze business or financial data.
- Assess the cost effectiveness of products, projects, or services.
- Confer with others about financial matters.
- Confer with personnel to coordinate business operations.
- Develop business or financial information systems.
Work Context
- Electronic Mail:100% responded"Every day"
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled:82% responded"Every day"
- Telephone:68% responded"Every day"
- Spend Time Sitting:64% responded"Continually or almost continually"
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate:64% responded"Extremely important"
Worker Requirements
Skills
- Mathematics:Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Critical Thinking:Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Reading Comprehension:Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Active Listening:Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Judgment and Decision Making:Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Knowledge
- Mathematics:Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- 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.
- English Language:Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- 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.
- Computers and Electronics:Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
- 64%Bachelor's Degree
- 18%Master's Degree
- 9%Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Worker Characteristics
Abilities
- 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.
- Number Facility:The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
- 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.
Interests
- 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.
Work Values
- Independence:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
- Relationships:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
- Working Conditions:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Analytical Thinking:Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Integrity:Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Dependability:Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Persistence:Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
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