SOC 13-1051
Cost Estimators
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ60/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ219,530
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$77K
$46K โ $129K
Projected Growth
๐-4.2%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค86/100
High exposure
๐ก Cost Estimators face a risk score of 60/100 โ 16 points above the national average of 44. With 86/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite weak projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $77K ($31K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 60/100, Cost Estimators faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like automated financial reporting and reconciliation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 219,530 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in navigating regulatory ambiguity and compliance judgment and strategic advisory requiring deep client relationship knowledge to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Cost Estimators?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Automated financial reporting and reconciliation
AI-driven fraud detection replacing manual review
Algorithmic trading and AI portfolio management
AI summarization replacing manual report compilation
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Navigating regulatory ambiguity and compliance judgment
Strategic advisory requiring deep client relationship knowledge
Ethical judgment in fiduciary and advisory roles
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
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.
Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
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.
๐ป Technology Skills
Document management software
Spreadsheet software
Data base user interface and query software
Computer aided design CAD software
Accounting software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Mathematics
Economics and Accounting
Computers and Electronics
Engineering and Technology
Building and Construction
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers | 16 | $145K | 53% |
| Lawyers, Judges, and Related Workers | 17 | $144K | 51% |
| Business Operations Specialists | 28 | $80K | 79% |