| Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to reduce cost. |
| Importance: 95 (%) | Description: Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops. |
| Importance: 95 (%) | Description: Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work. |
| Importance: 95 (%) | Description: Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures. |
| Importance: 91 (%) | Description: Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components. |
| Importance: 91 (%) | Description: Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors. |
| Importance: 82 (%) | Description: Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project. |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations. |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Visit site and record information about access, drainage and topography, and availability of utility services. |
Bachelor Degree Careers and Jobs (jobs after undergraduate degree)
Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with a Bachelor's Degree with or without Certificates - All On One Page
Sorted by median annual U.S. salary and including percentage of job holders with Bachelor's Degree.
A bachelor's degree qualifies graduates for a wide range of professional, technical, and management-track careers across nearly every industry. For people who want to compare where a four-year degree can lead before choosing a major or job. Compare careers ranked by salary, review degree-holder and experience percentages, and access preparation resources for each role.
Here is a short Helper Video 
.
This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Bachelor's Degree, to (1) Select a career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.
Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Bachelor's Degree careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover careers that might be of interest.
Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.
Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.
Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).
Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.
Step 1 of 4: Select a Career
Leading Books About Bachelor's Degree Jobs
What jobs can you get with a Bachelor's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are careers related to the Bachelor's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having a Bachelor's Degree. - 255 specific careers are listed, with matching jobs currently available. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those careers that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:
Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Bachelor's Degree) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)
Step 2 of 4: Find a Job
Job Listings for: Cost Estimators.
Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career
Prepare for the "Cost Estimators" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.
Cost Estimators
Description: 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.
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Cost Estimators":
U.S. Total Employment (2023):
199,400U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
200,600
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
1,200 (0.6%) Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
17,800
Core Duties
Work Activities
| Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 93 (%) | Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| Importance: 91 (%) | Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
| Importance: 91 (%) | Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
| Importance: 90 (%) | Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
| Importance: 86 (%) | Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| Importance: 85 (%) | Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| Importance: 85 (%) | Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
| Importance: 82 (%) | Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
| Importance: 76 (%) | Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
| Importance: 76 (%) | Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| Importance: 76 (%) | Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
| Importance: 76 (%) | Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
| Importance: 76 (%) | Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
| Importance: 75 (%) | Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
| Importance: 75 (%) | Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
| Importance: 73 (%) | Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
| Importance: 71 (%) | Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. |
| Importance: 67 (%) | Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
| Importance: 67 (%) | Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
| Importance: 67 (%) | Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
| Importance: 67 (%) | Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
| Importance: 61 (%) | Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
Specific Work Activities
| Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below: |
|
| Analyze business or financial data. | |
| Assess the cost effectiveness of products, projects, or services. | |
| Collect data about project sites. | |
| Confer with others about financial matters. | |
| Confer with personnel to coordinate business operations. | |
| Develop business or financial information systems. | |
| Establish business management methods. | |
| Estimate costs of goods or services. | |
| Inspect work sites to determine condition or necessary repairs. | |
| Maintain data in information systems or databases. | |
| Monitor financial indicators. | |
| Negotiate agreements to resolve disputes. | |
| Prepare financial documents. | |
Knowledge Required
| Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 86 (%) | Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
| Importance: 77 (%) | Description: Economics and Accounting: Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
| Importance: 67 (%) | Description: Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. |
Essential Skills
| Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems. |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
| Importance: 58 (%) | Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
| Importance: 54 (%) | Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
Transferable Skills
| Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 60 (%) | Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
| Importance: 56 (%) | Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Management of Financial Resources: Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures. |
Day-in-the-Life Summaries
| Day-in-the-Life Summaries These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you? |
| Activity: Analyze business or financial data. |
| Activity: Communicate with others about business strategies. |
| Activity: Coordinate activities with clients, agencies, or organizations. |
| Activity: Determine values or prices of goods or services. |
| Activity: Develop operational or technical procedures or standards. |
| Activity: Develop organizational policies, systems, or processes. |
| Activity: Evaluate the characteristics, usefulness, or performance of products or technologies. |
| Activity: Gather data about operational or development activities. |
| Activity: Inspect facilities or equipment. |
| Activity: Maintain operational records. |
| Activity: Monitor financial data or activities. |
| Activity: Negotiate contracts or agreements. |
| Activity: Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets. |
Software Skills
|
Software Skills These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job? |
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| High-Priority Tech Skills | ||||||||
| Electronic mail software: | ||||||||
| Microsoft Outlook | ||||||||
| Office suite software: | ||||||||
| Microsoft Office software | ||||||||
| Spreadsheet software: | ||||||||
| Microsoft Excel | ||||||||
| Widely Used Tech Skills | ||||||||
| Project management software: | ||||||||
| ConstructConnect PlanSwift On Center On-Screen Takeoff | ||||||||
| Emerging Tech Skills | ||||||||
| Accounting software: | ||||||||
| Intuit QuickBooks | ||||||||
| Analytical or scientific software: | ||||||||
| Procore software | ||||||||
| Computer aided design CAD software: | ||||||||
| Autodesk AutoCAD Autodesk Revit | ||||||||
| Data base user interface and query software: | ||||||||
| Microsoft Access | ||||||||
| Document management software: | ||||||||
| Adobe Acrobat | ||||||||
| Enterprise resource planning ERP software: | ||||||||
| SAP software | ||||||||
| Graphics or photo imaging software: | ||||||||
| Trimble SketchUp Pro | ||||||||
| Presentation software: | ||||||||
| Microsoft PowerPoint | ||||||||
| Process mapping and design software: | ||||||||
| Microsoft Visio | ||||||||
| Project management software: | ||||||||
| Microsoft Project Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management | ||||||||
| Word processing software: | ||||||||
| Microsoft Word | ||||||||
| General Software Tools | ||||||||
| Accounting software: | ||||||||
| Choice Job Cost Cost accounting software CPR International GeneralCOST Estimator Sage 50 Accounting | ||||||||
| Analytical or scientific software (scroll table below): | ||||||||
| ||||||||
| Billing and invoicing software: | ||||||||
| ConEst T&M Billing Manager | ||||||||
| Computer aided design CAD software: | ||||||||
| Computer aided design and drafting CADD software ConEst IntelliBid Design Build ConEst SureCount Dassault Systemes CATIA | ||||||||
| Customer relationship management CRM software: | ||||||||
| Microsoft Business Contact Manager | ||||||||
| Data base reporting software: | ||||||||
| Oracle Hyperion SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports Software AG enterprise software | ||||||||
| Data base user interface and query software: | ||||||||
| Assured Software JPP Sage 100 Contractor Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate Xactware Xactimate | ||||||||
| Document management software: | ||||||||
| Laserfiche Avante | ||||||||
| Enterprise resource planning ERP software: | ||||||||
| Microsoft Dynamics Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne | ||||||||
| Expert system software: | ||||||||
| EFI Hagen OA | ||||||||
| Financial analysis software (scroll table below): | ||||||||
| ||||||||
| License management software: | ||||||||
| ConEst Permit Trac | ||||||||
| Project management software (scroll table below): | ||||||||
| ||||||||
| Spreadsheet software: | ||||||||
| Apple AppleWorks Corel QuattroPro IBM Lotus 1-2-3 | ||||||||
| Word processing software: | ||||||||
| Microsoft OneNote |
Preparation Required
| Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job? |
| Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed |
| A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. |
| Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. |
| Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. |
| Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators. |
Education Required
| Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Education |
| Frequency of Attainment: 81.8 (%) | Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree |
| Frequency of Attainment: 9.1 (%) | Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) |
| Frequency of Attainment: 4.6 (%) | Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) |
| Frequency of Attainment: 4.6 (%) | Level of Education: Master's Degree |
Training and Experience Required
| Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience |
| Frequency of Attainment: 50.0 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 27.3 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 13.6 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: None |
| Frequency of Attainment: 9.1 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years |
Local Salary Information
Select a State (scroll and Select) :
Please select a State to see State and National Salaries
Certifications
| Certifications These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them? |
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Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst
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Certified Cost Professional
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Certified Estimating Professional
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Certified Gemologist Appraiser
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Certified Professional Estimator
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Certified Scheduling Technician
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Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser
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Professional Cost Estimator/Analyst
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Registered Jeweler
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Professional Associations
| Professional Associations These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities? |
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American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE)
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Job Listings
Related Careers to Consider
Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)
This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Cost Estimators". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.
Videos
Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes
Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.
Job Description
Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.
Interviews
There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.
Step-by-Step
Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Cost Estimators
LinkedIn®
Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.
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