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Cost Estimator

Occupation Information table
Overview: Cost estimators determine the probable total cost of a product, project or services by analyzing blueprints, specifications, materials and the labor required. Management uses their estimates to make business decisions, planning, scheduling and selecting vendors and subcontractors.
Duties: For a new product, they work with engineers and technologists to identify the parts needed. They estimate costs for production machine operations, tools, materials, skills and time.

For construction projects, they analyze the architect's drawings and specifications and visit the construction site. They estimate costs & services (e.g.,electricity, water, etc.) for the project.

For computer systems design projects, they estimate the programming requirements and the computer hardware needed for testing, implementing and maintaining the new system.

For all types of projects, they prepare time-phase charts and learning curves based on estimated time for finding and fixing problems during the development and implementation phases.
Degree(s): A.S. Engineering Science 
A.S. Business Administration (Accounting and Marketing) 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 9% to 13% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average projected growth for all occupations.
Salary Range (National Average): $38,000 to $45,000
Education Level: Training for this occupation generally requires an Associate Degree from a 2 year or community college.
Additional Training/Education: A bachelor's or associate's degree in engineering is the usual requirement for an entry position. Your choice of engineering courses depends upon the industry you consider. In the manufacturing industry, a mechanical or industrial engineering degree is appropriate, while in the construction industry, a civil engineering degree would be appropriate. A knowledge of statistics and computer applications is essential.
Recommended Skills:
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Allocating and budgeting your time for different tasks so that things get done when needed.
  • Using mathematics and/or statistics to solve problems.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Recommended Values:
  • Having a routine job where the duties are very predictable and not likely to change over a long period of time.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.