Cost Estimators

Individuals who are responsible for accurately forecasting the cost of future projects a business or organization may be contemplating and for determining which current endeavors are making a profit. Cost estimators develop the cost information that business owners or managers need to make a bid for a contract or to determine if a proposed new product will be profitable. They compile and analyze data on all of the factors that can influence costs such as materials, labor, location and special machinery requirements including computer hardware and software. Job duties vary widely depending on the type and size of the project.