We surveyed 1,280 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.
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.