As of June 2026, Cost Estimators has an AI-exposure score of 67/100 (High exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.

AI Exposure Score for

Cost Estimators

67/100
High exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

More exposed than 84% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$78,740. About 16,900 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).

Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.

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How you compare to similar Business & Finance roles

Cost Estimators (you)
67
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Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
68
Personal Financial Advisors
68
Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
65
Logistics Engineers
69
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Your tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable
  • Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
  • Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
  • Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
  • Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.
  • Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to reduce cost.
  • Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.
  • Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
  • Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
  • Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project.
  • Visit site and record information about access, drainage and topography, and availability of utility services.
  • Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
  • Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
Augmentable
  • Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
  • Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.
Durable

No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as automatable (86%).

Safer adjacent roles

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
80% skills overlap · High exposure · ~US$64,950
69
Industrial Engineers
72% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$102,440
62
Logistics Engineers
64% skills overlap · High exposure · ~US$82,320
69
Architectural and Engineering Managers
56% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$171,270
57
Project Coordinator
48% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$67,280
58
Civil Engineer
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$89,940
46
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
40% skills overlap · Very High exposure · ~US$59,650
72
Architectural and Civil Drafters
40% skills overlap · High exposure · ~US$66,150
66

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Important: This is an estimate of AI exposure, not a prediction that your job will disappear. It is designed to help you understand how your role may change and improve your career resilience.

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Cost Estimators — median pay by US state (BLS OEWS, USD)

California: US$85,460New York: US$80,430Texas: US$76,980

Median annual wage, in USD. US national: US$78,740. More states are being added.

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