How long does it take to become a cost estimator?

Typically about four years for the degree, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do cost estimators make?

The US median is $78,740 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a cost estimator?

Yes — a degree is the usual way in.

Where can you train to become a cost estimator?

2,548 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a cost estimator

Business & finance · SOC 13-1051

$78,740US median pay, 2025

-3.1%Projected growth, 2025–35

17,600Openings per year

DegreeUsual way in

How you get in

A degree is the usual way in.

Bachelor's degree
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Work as a cost estimator

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Business Administration and Management, General	CIP 52.0201	2,320
Business/Commerce, General	CIP 52.0101	782
Mechanical Engineering	CIP 14.1901	413
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician	CIP 15.1001	135
Materials Engineering	CIP 14.1801	107
Manufacturing Engineering	CIP 14.3601	64
Construction Engineering	CIP 14.3301	48

See the 2,548 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a cost estimator?: Typically about four years for the degree, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do cost estimators make?: The US median is $78,740 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a cost estimator?: Yes — a degree is the usual way in.
Where can you train to become a cost estimator?: 2,548 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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