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.

Career Cluster:Construction
Job Family:Business and Financial Operations
Job Zone:Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
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Technology Tools

Autodesk AutoCADAutodesk RevitIntuit QuickBooksMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft WordAdobe AcrobatOracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio ManagementProcore softwareSAP softwareTrimble SketchUp Pro

Key Tasks

  • 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.
  • Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
  • Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
  • Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.
  • Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
  • Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
  • Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.
  • Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project.
  • Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to reduce cost.
  • Visit site and record information about access, drainage and topography, and availability of utility services.
  • Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.
  • Use remote sensing technologies or drones to evaluate site conditions when in-person visits are not feasible.

Skills

Mathematics
75%
Reading Comprehension
75%
Speaking
72%
Active Listening
69%
Critical Thinking
69%
Judgment and Decision Making
66%
Writing
63%
Complex Problem Solving
60%
Active Learning
56%
Coordination
53%
Social Perceptiveness
53%
Management of Financial Resources
53%
Persuasion
50%
Time Management
50%
Systems Analysis
50%
Negotiation
50%
Systems Evaluation
50%
Monitoring
50%
Learning Strategies
47%
Instructing
44%
Management of Material Resources
44%
Service Orientation
44%
Management of Personnel Resources
38%
Operations Analysis
38%
Operations Monitoring
13%
Programming
13%
Technology Design
13%
Science
10%
Quality Control Analysis
10%
Equipment Selection
3%
Troubleshooting
0%
Repairing
0%
Installation
0%
Operation and Control
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

Mathematics
85%
Economics and Accounting
74%
Computers and Electronics
63%
Engineering and Technology
60%
Building and Construction
58%
Administration and Management
55%
English Language
55%
Design
54%
Customer and Personal Service
50%
Mechanical
48%
Production and Processing
46%
Administrative
44%
Physics
43%
Law and Government
39%
Sales and Marketing
36%
Education and Training
32%
Personnel and Human Resources
30%
Transportation
29%
Public Safety and Security
25%
Telecommunications
25%
Geography
22%
Communications and Media
19%
Psychology
19%
Chemistry
18%
Biology
16%
Sociology and Anthropology
14%
Foreign Language
10%
Philosophy and Theology
8%
History and Archeology
7%
Food Production
6%
Therapy and Counseling
5%
Medicine and Dentistry
4%
Fine Arts
1%

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Abilities

Inductive Reasoning
78%
Oral Expression
75%
Mathematical Reasoning
75%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Written Comprehension
72%
Number Facility
72%
Near Vision
69%
Deductive Reasoning
69%
Written Expression
69%
Information Ordering
66%
Speech Clarity
63%
Speech Recognition
56%
Problem Sensitivity
53%
Category Flexibility
53%
Visualization
50%
Fluency of Ideas
50%
Flexibility of Closure
50%
Selective Attention
50%
Perceptual Speed
47%
Originality
47%
Far Vision
44%
Speed of Closure
44%
Time Sharing
28%
Memorization
25%
Visual Color Discrimination
22%
Trunk Strength
19%
Auditory Attention
16%
Wrist-Finger Speed
16%
Hearing Sensitivity
13%
Finger Dexterity
13%
Depth Perception
13%
Spatial Orientation
6%
Manual Dexterity
3%
Dynamic Strength
0%
Sound Localization
0%
Gross Body Coordination
0%
Reaction Time
0%
Extent Flexibility
0%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
0%
Night Vision
0%
Stamina
0%
Static Strength
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Explosive Strength
0%
Multilimb Coordination
0%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Control Precision
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Rate Control
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%
Response Orientation
0%

Work Activities

Getting Information
91%
Analyzing Data or Information
89%
Working with Computers
89%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
87%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
83%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
82%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
81%
Processing Information
77%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
71%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
71%
Scheduling Work and Activities
70%
Documenting/Recording Information
70%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
70%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
69%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
69%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
66%
Thinking Creatively
64%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
61%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
61%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
59%
Coaching and Developing Others
59%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
59%
Developing and Building Teams
59%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
57%
Training and Teaching Others
52%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
51%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
49%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
44%
Performing Administrative Activities
40%
Selling or Influencing Others
40%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
33%
Staffing Organizational Units
25%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
25%
Assisting and Caring for Others
24%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
16%
Performing General Physical Activities
14%
Handling and Moving Objects
13%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
7%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
5%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
4%
Controlling Machines and Processes
3%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

100%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

95%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

90%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

86%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

83%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

79%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

74%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

73%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

73%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

72%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

71%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

69%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

67%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

61%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

59%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

56%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

53%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

49%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

45%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

44%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

44%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

43%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

36%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

34%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

34%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

29%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

29%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

28%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

20%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

19%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

18%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

17%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

17%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

13%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

13%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

10%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

8%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

8%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

8%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

7%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

7%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

6%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

6%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

6%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

6%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

5%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

5%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

5%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

5%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

4%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

4%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

4%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

3%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

3%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

2%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

2%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

1%

Education

Bachelor's degree

82%

Associate's degree

9%

High school diploma or equivalent

5%

Interests

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

91

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

62

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

38

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

35

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

11

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

1

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
92%
Dependability
86%
Integrity
72%
Cautiousness
69%
Perseverance
61%
Self-Confidence
58%
Achievement Orientation
53%
Stress Tolerance
50%
Intellectual Curiosity
48%
Initiative
46%
Adaptability
42%
Cooperation
42%
Self-Control
41%
Social Orientation
40%
Leadership Orientation
33%
Innovation
31%
Sincerity
18%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
14%
Humility
11%
Optimism
2%

Work Values

Independence
61%
Relationships
61%
Working Conditions
58%
Achievement
50%
Recognition
50%
Support
45%

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