Cost Estimators

Cost Estimators score 50 out of 100, which is elevated exposure to AI. That ranks #214 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 14 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 0 on its own and 14 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 6 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

50/ 100

Elevated

Rank: #214of 923 jobs
US workers: 224,220BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $78,740a year
In real AI use: 6 of 14tasks, April–May 2026

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Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 14 (100%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 0 (0%)

Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to reduce cost.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
Visit site and record information about access, drainage and topography, and availability of utility services.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use

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Questions about cost estimators and AI

Will AI replace cost estimators?

Not entirely. Parts of the job are likely to change as AI takes over routine tasks. Cost Estimators score 50 out of 100 (elevated exposure), #214 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 14 of the job's 14 tasks, 0 of them on its own. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which cost estimators tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "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".

Which cost estimators tasks are hardest for AI?

Every task in this job has some AI exposure, though 14 of them need extra software built around the AI.

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 6 of the 14 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as cost estimators, and what do they earn?

About 224,220 people in the US, with median pay of $78,740 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.