13-1051.00

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.

6.4OUT OF 10SAFEHIGH RISK
Moderate Risk

AI will significantly reshape this role

Safer than 60% of occupations we track

Frey & Osborne (2013) estimated 57% probability of automation for this role
paper →
60%
of jobs safer
408
jobs riskier than this
-4.2%
projected growth

Disruption Vector

Disruption Type

Software & AI

AI software systems—language models, automation tools, and intelligent algorithms—are the primary vector of disruption for this role.

Generative AI tools like Autodesk Construction IQ and PlanSwift AI can now extract quantities from drawings and produce preliminary cost estimates from project descriptions far faster than human estimators working manually. Complex bid strategy, value engineering decisions, risk pricing, and client negotiation still demand experienced professional judgment. By 2027 AI will likely halve the time needed per estimate and reduce entry-level estimator demand, but senior estimators who can validate, adjust, and sell AI-generated numbers will remain in demand.

Disrupted byGitHub CopilotChatGPT / GPT-4oSalesforce Einstein

Salary & Job Outlook

Median Annual Pay
$77,070
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
10-Year Job Growth
-4.2%
Little or no change
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
Job Zone 4 / 5

AI Risk Timeline

6.4
7.2
7.9
9.4
Today
5 Years
10 Years
20 Years

Projection model: Based on current AI capability growth rates. High-risk occupations are projected to see compounding automation pressure, while human-centric roles show slower risk accumulation. These are statistical projections, not guarantees.

Skills Analysis — AI Vulnerability

AI can replicate (0)
AI-resistant (1)
Mixed
Critical Thinking80%
Active Learning75%
Complex Problem Solving78%
Judgment and Decision Making82%
Reading Comprehension72%

Career Pivot Paths

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Cost Estimators

6.4
/ 10
Moderate Risk
64% automation risk

"You're not cooked yet, but someone's preheating the oven."

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COST ESTIMATORS
6.4

/ 10

MODERATE RISK

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This analysis is for informational purposes only and is based on statistical models and academic research. It does not constitute career advice and is not a guarantee of future employment outcomes. AI impact varies significantly by employer, region, and individual circumstances. Learn about our methodology →