Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
Entry requirements vary by industry. In construction, employers prefer applicants with a thorough knowledge of construction materials, costs, and procedures in areas ranging from heavy construction to electrical work, plumbing systems, or masonry work. In fact, most construction estimators have experience as a construction craft worker or as a contractor. Persons who combine this experience with some post-secondary training in construction estimating or a bachelor's or associate degree in civil engineering, architectural drafting, or building construction have the edge in landing jobs. Those with an academic background who lack work experience qualify for some jobs, but are at a distinct disadvantage when competing for jobs with experienced applicants. In manufacturing, employers prefer persons with a degree in engineering, science, operations research, mathematics, or statistics, or in accounting, finance, business, or a related subject. In hightechnology industries, great emphasis is placed on experience involving quantitative techniques. Computer literacy and, in some cases, programming capability are required.

Job Outlook:
Employment of cost estimators is dependent primarily upon the level of construction and manufacturing activity. Growth of the construction industry, where about 58 percent of all cost estimators are employed, will be the driving force behind the rising demand for these workers, whose employment is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. There will be an estimated 211,000 cost estimators by 2005. The fastest growing sectors of the construction industry will be those associated with spending on the nation's infrastructure. Construction and repair of highways and streets, bridges; and construction of more subway systems, airports, water and sewage systems, and electric power plants and transmission lines will stimulate demand for many more cost estimators. In addition, spending on hotels, office and other commercial buildings, and construction of residential units will add to the demand for cost estimators to predict the costs of these projects. Job prospects should be best for those workers who have substantial experience in various phases of construction or a specialty craft or those with a degree in construction management, engineering, or architectural drafting.

Sources of Additional Information:

Information about career opportunities, certification, schools, and continuing education programs in cost estimating in the construction industry may be obtained from: