π‘ Cost Estimators have a composite risk score of 60/100 (Frey-Osborne probability: 57%, GenAI exposure: 86/100). With 219,530 workers in the US, this is one of the most AI-vulnerable occupations. Full occupation profile β
π― The Verdict
Possible. Significant task automation is underway β workers should actively upskill.
With 219,530 workers and a median wage of $77K,cost estimators represent a significant portion of the US workforce. Their GenAI exposure index is 86%, meaning a majority of their core tasks overlap with current generative AI capabilities.
Risk Score
60/100
Employment
219,530
Median Wage
$77K
GenAI Exposure
86%
β οΈ 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
π‘οΈ Tasks AI Can't Easily Replace
Navigating regulatory ambiguity and compliance judgment
Strategic advisory requiring deep client relationship knowledge
Ethical judgment in fiduciary and advisory roles
π Career Transition Paths
Related occupations with lower AI risk and high skills overlap:
Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers
53% skills overlap Β· $145K median wage
Lawyers, Judges, and Related Workers
51% skills overlap Β· $144K median wage
Business Operations Specialists
79% skills overlap Β· $80K median wage
β Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI completely replace cost estimators?
Possible. Significant task automation is underway β workers should actively upskill.
What is the AI risk score for cost estimators?
Cost Estimators have a composite AI automation risk score of 60 out of 100, classified as "Elevated".
How many cost estimators are there in the US?
There are approximately 219,530 cost estimators employed in the United States.
What do cost estimators earn?
The median annual wage for cost estimators is $77K.
What skills should cost estimators develop?
Focus on tasks AI can't easily replicate: navigating regulatory ambiguity and compliance judgment, strategic advisory requiring deep client relationship knowledge, ethical judgment in fiduciary and advisory roles. These human-centric skills will become more valuable as routine tasks are automated.