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O*NET-SOC 13-1051.00

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.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3
  1. Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.Core80
  2. Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.Core83
  3. Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.Core20846
  4. Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.Core81
  5. Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.Core82
  6. Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.Core90
  7. Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.Core85
  8. Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.Core84
  9. Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.Core89
  10. Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.Core86
  11. Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project.Core87
  12. Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to reduce cost.Core91
  13. Visit site and record information about access, drainage and topography, and availability of utility services.Core92
  14. Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.Core88

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 65 examples in 20 categories, 16 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Document management software

  • Adobe AcrobatHot Technology
  • Laserfiche Avante

Spreadsheet software

  • Apple AppleWorks
  • Corel QuattroPro
  • IBM Lotus 1-2-3
  • Microsoft ExcelHot TechnologyIn Demand

Data base user interface and query software

  • Assured Software JPP
  • Microsoft AccessHot Technology
  • Sage 100 Contractor
  • Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate
  • Xactware Xactimate

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCADHot Technology
  • Autodesk RevitHot Technology
  • Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
  • ConEst IntelliBid Design Build
  • ConEst SureCount
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA

Accounting software

  • Choice Job Cost
  • Cost accounting software
  • CPR International GeneralCOST Estimator
  • Intuit QuickBooksHot Technology
  • Sage 50 Accounting

Project management software

  • ConEst BidTrac
  • ConEst JobTrac
  • ConstructConnect PlanSwiftIn Demand
  • Galorath SEER
  • Galorath SEER-SEM
  • HCSS HeavyBid
  • HCSS HeavyJob
  • Logic Software Easy Projects.NET
  • Microsoft ProjectHot Technology
  • On Center On-Screen TakeoffIn Demand
  • Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio ManagementHot Technology

Analytical or scientific software

  • ConEst Electrical Formulas
  • Construction Management Software ProEst
  • Decisioneering Crystal Ball
  • Procore softwareHot Technology
  • QSM SLIM Suite
  • Resources Calculations Incorporated SoftCost
  • WinEstimator WinEst

Financial analysis software

  • ConEst Intellibid
  • Cost estimating software
  • CPR Visual Estimator
  • IBM Costimater
  • Palisade @Risk
  • PRICE Sytems TruePlanning
  • Primavera Cost Management
  • Softstar Costar COCOMO II

License management software

  • ConEst Permit Trac

Billing and invoicing software

  • ConEst T&M Billing Manager

Expert system software

  • EFI Hagen OA

Customer relationship management CRM software

  • Microsoft Business Contact Manager

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
  • SAP softwareHot Technology

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office softwareHot TechnologyIn Demand

Word processing software

  • Microsoft OneNote
  • Microsoft WordHot Technology

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft OutlookHot TechnologyIn Demand

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPointHot Technology

Process mapping and design software

  • Microsoft VisioHot Technology

Data base reporting software

  • Oracle Hyperion
  • SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports
  • Software AG enterprise software

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Trimble SketchUp ProHot Technology

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Getting Information

  • Collect data about project sites.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 5 of 8 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • Replaces 3
    • Augments 3
    • Informs 2

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

  • Monitor financial indicators.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 5 of 9 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • Replaces 1
    • Augments 2
    • Supports 1
    • Informs 5

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

  • Inspect work sites to determine condition or necessary repairs.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

  • Assess the cost effectiveness of products, projects, or services.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 5 of 8 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • Augments 4
    • Supports 3
    • Informs 1

Analyzing Data or Information

  • Analyze business or financial data.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 5 of 66 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • Replaces 3
    • Augments 55
    • Supports 2
    • Informs 6

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

  • Estimate costs of goods or services.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 5 of 15 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • Augments 11
    • Informs 4

Developing Objectives and Strategies

  • Establish business management methods.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 5 of 5 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • Augments 1
    • Supports 4
    • Cfo advisorborghei/claude-skills454 installsAugments
      Gen Agent Trust Hub Pass
      Runlayer Pass
      Snyk Pass
      Socket Pass
      ZeroLeaks Pass
    • Trading plan generatorjamesrochabrun/skills1,131 installsSupports
      Gen Agent Trust Hub Warn
      Runlayer Warn
      Snyk Pass
      Socket Warn
      ZeroLeaks Pass
    • Customer support operations engineclaudeskills.infoSupports
    • Consulting frameworksaznatkoiny/zai-skills330 installsSupports
      Gen Agent Trust Hub Pass
      Runlayer Pass
      Snyk Pass
      Socket Pass
    • Backend dev guidelinesdavila7/claude-code-templates491 installsSupports
      Gen Agent Trust Hub Pass
      Runlayer Warn
      Snyk Pass
      Socket Pass
      ZeroLeaks Pass

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment

  • Develop business or financial information systems.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 5 of 7 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • Augments 1
    • Supports 5
    • Informs 1
    • Java spring developmentmindrally/skills933 installsAugments
      Gen Agent Trust Hub Pass
      Runlayer Warn
      Snyk Pass
      Socket Pass
      ZeroLeaks Pass
    • Awsclaudeskills.infoSupports
    • system-designwondelai/skills6,203 installsSupports
      Gen Agent Trust Hub Pass
      Runlayer Warn
      Snyk Pass
      Socket Pass
      ZeroLeaks Pass
    • Architecture patternssickn33/antigravity-awesome-skills900 installsSupports
      Gen Agent Trust Hub Pass
      Runlayer Pass
      Snyk Pass
      Socket Pass
      ZeroLeaks Pass
    • Software architecturedavila7/claude-code-templates530 installsSupports
      Gen Agent Trust Hub Pass
      Runlayer Warn
      Snyk Pass
      Socket Pass
      ZeroLeaks Pass

Documenting/Recording Information

  • Prepare financial documents.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 2 of 2 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • Augments 2
  • Maintain data in information systems or databases.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 5 of 23 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • Replaces 3
    • Augments 17
    • Supports 2
    • Informs 1

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

  • Confer with personnel to coordinate business operations.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 5 of 9 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • Augments 3
    • Supports 6

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

  • Negotiate agreements to resolve disputes.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 1 of 1 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • Supports 1

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill12 of 13
Distinct tools141
Level mix
  • Replaces 10
  • Augments 91
  • Supports 26
  • Informs 19

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.