Career Advice for a Cost Estimator

As a Cost Estimator, you will be responsible for determining the costs of construction projects, including materials, labour, and equipment.

Quick Links

How to Become a Cost Estimator

Choosing your career path and learning how to become the person you aspire to be is not always straight forward; getting a job in your chosen industry will take dedication, focus and the right qualifications.

When you have chosen the career path you wish to follow, you will need to learn how to become a Cost Estimator

Should you wish to work as a Cost Estimator you will need to evaluate what courses are required, their cost and what qualifications you need. It is important that you also assess whether you have the right credentials from a personality point of view, what the demands of the job are and whether they complement the lifestyle that you desire.

Another factor to consider, should you wish to fulfil your career aspirations, is the number of jobs you will need to have to reach your ultimate job, and the length of time it will take to reach this goal.

Common Qualifications for a Cost Estimator

  • A Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field.
  • Experience in cost estimating or construction project management.

Key Responsibilities for a Cost Estimator

  • Analyzing project plans and specifications to determine project costs.
  • Preparing cost estimates and budgets for construction projects.
  • Collaborating with project managers and engineers to ensure accurate cost estimates.
  • Reviewing and updating cost estimates as necessary.
  • Communicating cost estimates and budgets to stakeholders.
  • Identifying cost-saving opportunities and making recommendations to project teams.

What to expect as a Cost Estimator

As a Cost Estimator in the UK, you could work for construction companies, engineering firms, or government agencies, among others.

Recommended Cost Estimator Jobs

Loading Jobs...

How to get Cost Estimator Jobs

Our advice on how to get a Cost Estimator job is to focus on preparation and personalisation.

Preparation

This occurs before you write a CV cover letter or complete a Cost Estimator application. If you have not held a Cost Estimator position before, it will help to research the industry and review what a typical career path might look like. If you have held a Cost Estimator role, focus your research on the company where you are seeking employment.

Valuable resources that will help you learn about the employer include the company’s career page, social media page, blog, job ad, and job description. Helpful information will consist of the company’s mission statement, values, and vision. You could also use an employer review site to gain insights on average salaries, what current employees say about the company culture, and what it is like to work for the organisation.

Personalisation

You are now in a position to use what you have learned in your Cost Estimator CV, cover letter, and application. You should personalise each Cost Estimator application, cover letter, and CV; prioritising job skills and relevant experience and providing examples that show you have similar values and goals.

This pre-application stage is a crucial step in how to become a Cost Estimator in the UK. It puts you in a superbly informed state, ready for forthcoming telephone, video, or in-person interviews.

Students: How to Become a Cost Estimator 

As with all professions, choose your study topics carefully. Review the qualifications needed to be a Cost Estimator and the subjects you will need to enrol in certification courses, higher education, or online courses. 

Aligning your study subjects

The more closely you align your study subjects with your career path, the more likely you will be to have projects and modules that you can refer to and show a prospective employer that you have practical or theoretical Cost Estimator experience.

How to get Cost Estimator Experience

What does it take to be a Cost Estimator? The best way to find out is to get work experience, which will be invaluable when applying for Cost Estimator jobs. You can learn how to be a successful Cost Estimator through internships, apprenticeships, or volunteering for a local business.

How to be a Cost Estimator Part-Time 

If you are wondering how to get into Cost Estimator part-time, there are several possibilities. You might find a new employer looking for a part-time Cost Estimator or find your existing employer is amenable. Often companies recognise the value of flexible hours and having more staff at work during busy times of the day. 

Cost Estimator freelance work

If you have impressive Cost Estimator qualifications and experience, you could take on the challenges of working freelance with control over your schedule.

Making a Career Change

How to start a career in this profession if you work in another industry may require studying for qualifications online and focusing on transferable skills when writing your CV and attending job interviews.