If an estimation is wrong, it can cause a firm to lose money on a job. Cost estimators often work under pressure, especially when deadlines approach. When they have deadlines, estimators often work more than 40 hours per week. Some estimators travel often between a firms headquarters and its subcontractors. Most use computers to help estimate costs and keep records.
Wages vary according to training and experience.
Entry level wages may be lower. Salaries of cost estimators vary by experience, education, and size and type of firm. Salaries in manufacturing are usually higher than in construction. There were 4,050 people employed as cost estimators in Indiana in 1998. It is estimated that between 1996 and 2006, about 184 jobs per year will need to be filled in this occupation.