As of June 2026, Cost Estimators has an AI-exposure score of 67/100 (High exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.
Cost Estimators
More exposed than 84% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$78,740. About 16,900 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).
Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.
How you compare to similar Business & Finance roles
Your tasks, by AI exposure
- Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
- Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
- Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
- Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.
- Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to reduce cost.
- Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.
- Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
- Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
- Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project.
- Visit site and record information about access, drainage and topography, and availability of utility services.
- Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
- Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
- Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
- Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.
No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as automatable (86%).
Safer adjacent roles
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Cost Estimators — median pay by US state (BLS OEWS, USD)
Median annual wage, in USD. US national: US$78,740. More states are being added.