Manufacturing cost estimator
Also known as: manufacturing estimate clerk, estimator, production cost estimator, manufacturing cost analyst, manufacturing cost recovery technician
About this occupation
Manufacturing cost estimators collect and analyse data to evaluate the money, materials, labour and time required for manufacturing processes. They conduct analyses to identify (alternative) cost effective technical designs and production processes. They develop and use methods and tools for cost planning, controlling and analysis. They also perform quantitative and qualitative risk analyses and report on the development of costs.
A specialisation of business analyst.
Essential skills and knowledge
- cost management
- assess financial viability
- provide cost benefit analysis reports
- mathematics
- execute analytical mathematical calculations
- manufacturing processes
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Cost Estimators (O*NET 13-1051.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
- Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
- Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
- Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Enterprising, Investigative
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, Speaking, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making
US median pay: US$78,740 a year (2025), 224,220 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.4)
- Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingVery important (4.0)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.5)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionImportant (3.3)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.3)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.2)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.2)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Logistics Engineers
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Construction Managers
- Industrial Engineers
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
- Architectural and Civil Drafters
- Civil Engineers
- Project Management Specialists
- Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.