We surveyed 1,298 cost estimators to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical cost estimator. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as a cost estimator?

Low

High

Working as a cost estimator typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.

Can I learn to become a cost estimator?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as a cost estimator typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as a cost estimator?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically difficult to find a job as a cost estimator. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for cost estimators.

Info

Do cost estimators work full-time or part-time?

94% of cost estimators work in full-time roles while 6% work part-time.

Is being a cost estimator stressful?

Low

High

Cost estimators tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.

Is being organized important as a cost estimator?

Low

High

Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a cost estimator.

How competitive is the workplace for cost estimators?

Low

High

Competition at work is not common for cost estimators.

Does being a cost estimator require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for cost estimators.

Are cost estimators allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

Cost estimators rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.

Do cost estimators have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

Cost estimators tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.

Is being a cost estimator physically demanding?

Low

High

Work as a cost estimators is rarely physically demanding, making it a suitable option for those unable to perform physically strenuous tasks.

Are cost estimators exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

Cost estimators tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.

Does being a cost estimator require attention to detail?

Low

High

As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for cost estimators.

Does being a good cost estimator require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a cost estimator.