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What is a job cost estimator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a job cost estimator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $23.97 an hour? That's $49,862 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -2% and produce -4,400 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreJob Cost EstimatorUS Average
Salary
3.9

Avg. Salary $49,862

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.3

Growth rate -2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.23%

Asian 4.43%

Black or African American 2.23%

Hispanic or Latino 13.55%

Unknown 3.81%

White 75.75%

Gender

female 42.62%

male 57.38%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a job cost estimator

  1. Explore job cost estimator education requirements

    Most common job cost estimator degrees

    Bachelor's

    40.0 %

    Associate

    40.0 %

    High School Diploma

    14.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific job cost estimator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    BOM28.30%
    Material Costs27.97%
    Cost Analysis26.00%
    Purchase Orders17.73%
  3. Complete relevant job cost estimator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New job cost estimators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a job cost estimator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real job cost estimator resumes.
  4. Research job cost estimator duties and responsibilities

    • Achieve and maintain high CSI ratings measure by an independent consumer rating firm.
    • Obtain measurements, photos and documentation to process remotely Xactimate estimates to submit for insurance and customer approval.
    • Procure LEED specifications on various products to ensure compliance with customer preferences including reclaim material.
  5. Apply for job cost estimator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a job cost estimator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first job cost estimator job

Zippi

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Average job cost estimator salary

The average job cost estimator salary in the United States is $49,862 per year or $24 per hour. Job cost estimator salaries range between $34,000 and $72,000 per year.

Average job cost estimator salary
$49,862 Yearly
$23.97 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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