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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 13-1051 Cost Estimators
Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.
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Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
OJT: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Tasks: Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products. Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues. 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. Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates. Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops. Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors. Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures. Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations. Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and 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 effect cost reduction.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Good
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $18.73   Entry $38,949.00
Mean $29.98   Mean $62,357.00
Experience $35.61 Experience $74,066.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
2,3402,580265.98
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13-1051.00 Cost Estimators