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Cost Estimator skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
Cost Estimator Example Skills
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical cost estimator skills. We ranked the top skills for cost estimators based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 29.5% of cost estimator resumes contained worksheets as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a cost estimator needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 cost estimator skills for your resume and career

1. Worksheets

Here's how cost estimators use worksheets:
  • Utilized Lotus and Excel spreadsheets for reduction of time to prepare cost estimates by replacing manual worksheets.
  • Create and monitor all Project Worksheets, Project Schedules and Job Cost Reports.

2. Risk Analysis

Here's how cost estimators use risk analysis:
  • Conduct risk analysis of specifications and contractual language to develop a detail project synopsis for senior management decision-making.
  • Conducted risk analysis of programmatic cost drivers by WBS using Monte Carlo simulation techniques and the Crystal Ball software package.

3. Project Management

Here's how cost estimators use project management:
  • Project Management responsibilities include all aspects of project from initial consultation with client; planning and obtaining approvals and construction permits.
  • Maintain resource and cost database of construction materials utilizing the Constellation FAST production and project management system.

4. Cost Analysis

Cost analysis, also known as cost-benefit analysis, refers to analyzing how a company's money is used, whether this is expenses of the company itself or the cost of the current production method. This method also takes the number of products sold into consideration to determine whether the manufacturing process is benefiting or harming the company's profits.

Here's how cost estimators use cost analysis:
  • Perform real time cost analysis for Government Cost Reimbursable activity to identify and analyze anomalies and variances.
  • Added customer requirements for long term agreements and capital equipment amortization to the cost analysis models.

5. PowerPoint

Here's how cost estimators use powerpoint:
  • Established bids using Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Utilized Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as Microsoft Project.

6. DOD

Definition of Done (DoD) is a set of deliverables that are needed to devise software. These deliverables are valuable to the system and can be exemplified by writing code, coding comments, unit testing, integration testing, design documents, release notes, and so on.

Here's how cost estimators use dod:
  • Cost Estimator and co-Cost Volume Leader of internal and external pop-up FAA and DoD proposals.
  • Prepare cost estimate for production programs and new business proposals for DOD, NATO and commercial customers.

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7. Construction Projects

A construction project is an organized process of constructing, redeveloping, renovating, or otherwise improving a building, or structure. The project phase begins usually as a broad criterion that is then made with the help of a brief, feasibility analysis, funding, and planning. The majority of construction projects are one-time jobs.

Here's how cost estimators use construction projects:
  • Detailed review and evaluation of construction projects utilizing the latest technology to deliver accurate and reliable bids.
  • Elaborated cost estimations for heavy construction projects and participated completing bid packages.
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8. Program Management

Here's how cost estimators use program management:
  • Completed cost estimate workbook including specific margin pricing information for Sales and Marketing, Sr. and Program Management
  • Provided interface between manufacturing engineers and program management for new contracts.

9. Project Cost

Project cost is the overall cost for planning, developing, executing, managing, and completing a project. Project cost needs to be estimated and projected in the project planning phase. Cost management strategy includes estimating project requirements, scheduling, budget allocation, and project design.

Here's how cost estimators use project cost:
  • Prepared takeoff and project cost estimate summary showing all related costs
  • Develop scope of work for sub-contractors based on bid plans and specifications to maximize profits and reduce overhead and project costs.

10. Cost Models

Cost models are simple formulas, equations, or functions that help quantify, measure, and estimate the time, effort, and economic outcomes of executing a project.

Here's how cost estimators use cost models:
  • Develop cost models encompassing all print requirements, raw materials, outside processes, and required industry specific guidelines.
  • Experience with cost models, parametric techniques, statements of work and work breakdown structures.

11. Cost Proposals

Cost proposals demand a person to manage, update, and produce multiple and yielding pricing models for use in preparing cost/price assessments.

Here's how cost estimators use cost proposals:
  • Prepared and negotiated cost proposals for electronic countermeasure systems for various types of aerospace platforms as a Contracts Department member.
  • Coordinated requirements with multiple disciplines for compilation of cost and schedule estimates for cost proposals.

12. CAD

Here's how cost estimators use cad:
  • Utilized CAD systems to reconstruct floor plans for pending insurance claims; maintained contact with clients to provide updates regarding claims.
  • Worked as Personal Assistant, to the owner, in cost estimations taken from CAD drawings for Southern Company/GA Power.

13. Quantity Take-Offs

A quantity takes off or known as Construction or Material takeoff, is a thorough measurement of machines, materials, equipment, and labor needed for a construction project to complete. It is usually managed by what you call an estimator during the project's pre-construction stage and eventually divides it into the smaller category for the project to estimate, measure, and assess easier.

Here's how cost estimators use quantity take-offs:
  • Conducted detailed quantity take-off and pricing for various construction activities of Illinois State highway projects.
  • Prepared accurate quantity take-offs for various interior finish materials.

14. Value Engineering

Value engineering is used to identify, solve problems, and eliminate unnecessary costs to improve quality and function. This set of methodical steps in the value engineering process optimise primary and long-term investment while pursuing the best value at the lowest cost.

Here's how cost estimators use value engineering:
  • Assure design integrity and specification compliance through architectural and structural design reviews, value engineering, and field verification.
  • Performed critical review and value engineering analysis, incorporating lessons learned into current and future estimates.

15. Logistics

Logistics is a complete organization and implementation of a problem. Logistics are often considered in a complex business operation, as some works need detailed plannings. Logistics are also used in military action.

Here's how cost estimators use logistics:
  • Provide Estimates with Logistics, Material Cost and Installation to Customers Seeking New Classroom Furniture/Science Lab Casework/Library Casework and Metal Lockers.
  • Employed for being a Mechanical Estimator, Currently using the logistics estimating software program doing take-offs for Commercial & Industrial projects.
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List of cost estimator skills to add to your resume

Cost Estimator Skills

The most important skills for a cost estimator resume and required skills for a cost estimator to have include:

  • Worksheets
  • Risk Analysis
  • Project Management
  • Cost Analysis
  • PowerPoint
  • DOD
  • Construction Projects
  • Program Management
  • Project Cost
  • Cost Models
  • Cost Proposals
  • CAD
  • Quantity Take-Offs
  • Value Engineering
  • Logistics
  • Work Breakdown Structure
  • Financial Analysis
  • Project Scope
  • Sage
  • Historical Cost Data
  • Engineering Drawings
  • Construction Cost
  • RFP
  • Plumbing
  • WBS
  • Cost Reports
  • Risk Assessments
  • Cost Factors
  • Labor Estimates
  • General Contractors
  • Timberline
  • Cost Control
  • BOE
  • Cost Effectiveness
  • Labor Rates
  • BOM
  • Bid Packages
  • RFQ
  • Design Development
  • DOE
  • Cost Reduction
  • Cost Savings
  • ISO
  • Formulate Estimates
  • Material Cost Estimates
  • RFI
  • HVAC

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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