Cost Estimators
Overall Exposure
2025 vs 2023
Theoretical Exposure
68What AI could do
Observed Exposure
34What AI actually does
Automation Risk Score
46Displacement risk
3-Year Outlook (2025 → 2028)
Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.
Overall Exposure
2025 → 2028 (estimated)
Theoretical Exposure
2025 → 2028 (estimated)
Observed Exposure
2025 → 2028 (estimated)
Automation Risk
2025 → 2028 (estimated)
Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)
Task Breakdown
About This Occupation
If you work as a Cost Estimator, AI is reshaping your profession. With an automation risk of 46/100 and overall exposure at 56%, this role faces high transformation. The highest-impact area is compile and compare material and labor cost data at 88% automation. This is classified as a 'mixed' role. BLS projects -4% growth through 2034. Estimators who leverage AI-powered cost modeling tools can redirect their expertise toward complex project negotiations and risk assessment.
ISCO-08 classification
Business Services Agents Not Elsewhere Classified
Definition
ILO original text (English)
This unit group covers business services agents not classified elsewhere in Minor Group 333: Business Services Agents. For instance, the group includes those who establish business contacts, sell business services such as advertising space in the media, arrange contracts for performances of athletes, entertainers and artists, for the publication of books, the production of plays, or the recording, performance and sale of music, sell property and goods by auction and who design and organize package and group tours.
Definition & vocabulary source
Source: International Labour Organization (ILO) — ISCO-08 Structure
License: ILO CC BY 4.0
Official occupational information
- ONET13-1011.00
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.
View original - ONET13-1051.00
Cost Estimators
Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.
View original - ONET13-2054.00
Financial Risk Specialists
Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.
View original - ONET13-2099.01
Financial Quantitative Analysts
Develop quantitative techniques to inform securities investing, equities investing, pricing, or valuation of financial instruments. Develop mathematical or statistical models for risk management, asset optimization, pricing, or relative value analysis.
View original - ONET13-2099.04
Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
Obtain evidence, take statements, produce reports, and testify to findings regarding resolution of fraud allegations. May coordinate fraud detection and prevention activities.
View original - ONET41-1012.00
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.
View original - ONET41-3011.00
Advertising Sales Agents
Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.
View original
Frequently Asked Questions
With an automation risk score of 46%, Cost Estimators faces a moderate level of AI-driven change. Some tasks can be automated, but many require human judgment, creativity, or interpersonal skills that AI cannot yet replicate. The role is more likely to evolve alongside AI than be replaced.
Our estimated AI automation risk score for Cost Estimators is 46% for 2025. Estimated overall AI exposure is 56%, with 68% theoretical exposure and 34% observed exposure. The estimated risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +18 points. All of these are model-generated estimates, not measurements.
The tasks with the highest automation potential for Cost Estimators are: Compile and compare material and labor cost data (88%), Analyze blueprints and specifications for cost calculations (82%), Prepare detailed bid documents and proposals (70%). These rates are our own estimates of how much of each task current AI systems can handle. They are not measurements and are not taken from any external dataset.
We estimate a -4% employment change for Cost Estimators between 2024 and 2034. This is our own estimate, not a figure published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Combined with an estimated overall AI exposure of 56%, this occupation faces both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.
Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Cost Estimators should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.
Recent AI Impact Changes
Apr 2026: ATE 0.42 by 2027 in SF Bay Tier 1. Quantitative analysis roles with structured task templates show high workflow coverage for agentic AI.
[Source: arXiv 2604.00186 (Gupta & Kumar, 2026)]Mar 2026: Evergreen blog post published analyzing AI automation risk for cost estimators
[Source: AI Changing Work Blog]