Growth of the construction industry, in which 53 percent of all cost estimators are employed, will be the driving force behind the demand for these workers. Construction and repair of highways, streets, and bridges, as well as construction of more subway systems, airports, water and sewage systems, and electric power plants and transmission lines, will stimulate demand for many more cost estimators. The increasing population and its changing demographics that will boost the demand for residential construction and remodeling also will spur demand for cost estimators. As the population ages, the demand for nursing and extended care facilities will increase. School construction and repair also will add to the demand for cost estimators. Job prospects in construction should be best for cost estimators with a degree in construction management or construction science, engineering, or architecture, and who have practical experience in various phases of construction or in a specialty craft area.

Employment of cost estimators in manufacturing will also grow, but not as fast as in construction as firms continue to use their services to identify and control operating costs. Experienced estimators with degrees in engineering, science, mathematics, business administration, or economics should have the best job prospects in manufacturing.