In construction, employers prefer applicants who have knowledge of construction materials, costs, and procedures. Areas range from heavy construction to electrical work, plumbing systems, or masonry work. Most construction estimators have experience as construction workers or managers. People who combine work experience with some formal training have a better chance of being hired. This training can be a bachelor's degree, associate degree, or course work.
Suggested majors are construction estimating, civil engineering, and drafting.
In manufacturing, employers prefer a degree in engineering, science, operations research, mathematics, or statistics. Other useful areas are accounting, finance, or business. In high-technology industries, cost estimators should be familiar with computers. Sometimes, knowledge of estimation software or programming skills may be useful. Regardless of their education, estimators receive training on the job.