medium risk

Cost Estimators

Also known as: Acquisition Cost Estimator, Building Construction Estimator, Building Estimator, Chief Estimator, Construction Estimator, Construction Job Cost Estimator, Contract Analyst, Cost Analyst, Cost and Risk Analysis Manager, Cost Consultant

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.

Higher risk than 61% of occupations

AI Impact Summary

Cost Estimators faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 39/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 61% of all analyzed occupations. Of 14 analyzed tasks, 3 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.

Skill Impact Analysis

AI-Vulnerable

AI-Resistant

AI-Augmented

AI-Vulnerable

Mathematics10%

High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Mathematics10%

High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

AI-Resistant

Complex Problem Solving75%

Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Coordination70%

Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

+14 more skills

Education & Training

Percentage of workers at each education and training level

Education Level

High School Diploma5%

Some College9%

Associate's Degree5%

Bachelor's Degree64%

Doctoral/Professional Degree18%

Prior Experience Needed

Work experience required to enter this job

None18%

6 months - 1 year9%

1-2 years23%

2-4 years9%

4-6 years14%

6-8 years5%

8-10 years5%

Over 10 years18%

Training Provided After Hiring

How long it typically takes to learn on the job

None5%

Up to 1 month5%

3-6 months10%

6 months - 1 year24%

1-2 years19%

2-4 years19%

4-6 years14%

6-8 years5%

How AI Impacts Each Task

14 tasks analyzed

Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.

Risk: 85.2%AI: 90Time: 10%

Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.

Risk: 27.0%AI: 30Time: 12%

Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.

Risk: 55.0%AI: 70Time: 10%

Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.

Risk: 57.0%AI: 75Time: 15%

Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.

Risk: 27.0%AI: 30Time: 10%

Task	AI Capability	Risk	Time %
Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.	90	85.2%	10%
Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.	30	27.0%	12%
Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.	70	55.0%	10%
Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.	75	57.0%	15%
Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.	30	27.0%	10%

Protective Factors

Total protective discount: 23.0%

Essential Soft Skills

Traits that are hard for AI to replicate

Attention to DetailAnalytical ThinkingIntegrityDependabilityPersistenceStress ToleranceInitiativeCooperationAchievement/EffortIndependenceAdaptability/FlexibilitySelf Control