Cost Estimators

Architecture & Construction · Design/Pre-Construction

Job zone 4: considerable preparationO*NET 13-1051.00

Pay and outlook shown for

median pay per year, San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX

$45k10th$75kMedian$130k90th

New workers start near $45,340; experienced workers reach $129,840. About 1,690 people do this job in San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX.

Job outlook

Alamo region (San Antonio and 12 surrounding counties), Texas Workforce Commission projection 2024 to 2034; U.S. figures from the BLS.

Employment change: +5.4%; Alamo region, 1,975 to 2,082 jobs · U.S. -4%
Openings a year: 179; in the Alamo region, from growth and people leaving · U.S. 16,900
Employed in 2024: 1,975; in the Alamo region · U.S. 221,400

Typical entry education: Bachelor's degree · Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

Alamo Colleges programs that lead here

11 programs, with the college that teaches each.

Showing 10 of 11.

Apply to Alamo Colleges

Skills this career uses

The skills O*NET rates most important for the job, with how much of each the work needs on a 1 to 7 scale.

Reading Comprehension4.1
Mathematics4.1
Speaking4.0
Critical Thinking4.1
Active Listening4.0
Judgment and Decision Making3.8
Writing4.0
Complex Problem Solving3.6

What the work is

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.

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.
Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.

Education people in this job have

Share of workers by highest education, from O*NET surveys. It shows what others did, not what you must do.

High school or less5%
Associate degree9%
Bachelor's degree82%
Master's degree5%

Job zone 4, considerable preparation: Usually a bachelor's degree, sometimes a strong associate plus experience.

Does this fit you?

Six questions rank every career here by how closely its interest profile follows yours.

Check my interests