SOC 13-1051
Cost Estimators
Risk Score
⚠️60/100
Elevated
US Employment
👥219,530
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$77K
$46K – $129K
Projected Growth
📈-4.2%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖86/100
High exposure
💡 Cost Estimators face a risk score of 60/100 — 16 points above the national average of 44. With 86/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite weak projected growth. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $77K ($31K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 60/100, Cost Estimators faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like automated financial reporting and reconciliation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 219,530 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in navigating regulatory ambiguity and compliance judgment and strategic advisory requiring deep client relationship knowledge to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Cost Estimators?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Automated financial reporting and reconciliation
AI-driven fraud detection replacing manual review
Algorithmic trading and AI portfolio management
AI summarization replacing manual report compilation
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Navigating regulatory ambiguity and compliance judgment
Strategic advisory requiring deep client relationship knowledge
Ethical judgment in fiduciary and advisory roles
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers | 16 | $145K | 53% |
| Lawyers, Judges, and Related Workers | 17 | $144K | 51% |
| Business Operations Specialists | 28 | $80K | 79% |