Cost Estimators

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.82
Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.80
Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.80
Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.78
Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.75
Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.75
Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.75
Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.75
Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.74
Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.69
Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project.68
Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to reduce cost.63

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Visit site and record information about access, drainage and topography, and availability of utility services.58
Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.54
Use remote sensing technologies or drones to evaluate site conditions when in-person visits are not feasible.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Mathematics75
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening69
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking69
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making66
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Writing63
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving60
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Active Learning56
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Coordination53
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Management of Financial Resources53
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Social Perceptiveness53
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

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Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Negotiation50
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion50
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Analysis50
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation50
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Learning Strategies47
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Instructing44
Teaching others how to do something.
Management of Material Resources44
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Service Orientation44
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Management of Personnel Resources38
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Operations Analysis38
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Operations Monitoring13
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Programming13
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design13
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Quality Control Analysis10
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Science10
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Equipment Selection3
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Operation and Control0
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting0
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Mathematics85
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Economics and Accounting74
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Computers and Electronics63
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Engineering and Technology60
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Building and Construction58
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Administration and Management55
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
English Language55
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Design54
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Customer and Personal Service50
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Mechanical48
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Production and Processing46
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Administrative44
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

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Physics43
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Law and Government39
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Sales and Marketing36
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Education and Training32
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Personnel and Human Resources30
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Transportation29
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Public Safety and Security25
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Telecommunications25
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Geography22
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Communications and Media19
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Psychology19
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Chemistry18
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Biology16
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Sociology and Anthropology14
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Foreign Language10
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Philosophy and Theology8
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
History and Archeology7
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Food Production6
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Therapy and Counseling5
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Medicine and Dentistry4
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Fine Arts1
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Inductive Reasoning78
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Mathematical Reasoning75
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Number Facility72
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Written Comprehension72
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning69
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Near Vision69
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Written Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Information Ordering66
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Speech Clarity63
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition56
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

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Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Problem Sensitivity53
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Flexibility of Closure50
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Fluency of Ideas50
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Visualization50
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Originality47
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Perceptual Speed47
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Far Vision44
The ability to see details at a distance.
Speed of Closure44
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Time Sharing28
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Visual Color Discrimination22
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Trunk Strength19
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Auditory Attention16
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Wrist-Finger Speed16
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Depth Perception13
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Finger Dexterity13
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Hearing Sensitivity13
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Spatial Orientation6
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Manual Dexterity3
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Arm-Hand Steadiness0
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Multilimb Coordination0
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information91
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Analyzing Data or Information89
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Working with Computers89
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information87
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems83
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates82
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge81
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Processing Information77
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships71
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events71
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Documenting/Recording Information70
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work70
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

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Scheduling Work and Activities70
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization69
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others69
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards66
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Thinking Creatively64
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings61
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others61
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Coaching and Developing Others59
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Developing and Building Teams59
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Developing Objectives and Strategies59
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People59
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates57
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Training and Teaching Others52
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others51
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others49
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources44
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing Administrative Activities40
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Selling or Influencing Others40
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials33
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment25
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Staffing Organizational Units25
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Assisting and Caring for Others24
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public16
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Performing General Physical Activities14
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Handling and Moving Objects13
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment7
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment5
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment4
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Controlling Machines and Processes3
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail92
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability86
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Integrity72
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Cautiousness69
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Perseverance61
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Confidence58
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Achievement Orientation53
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Stress Tolerance50
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Intellectual Curiosity48
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Initiative46
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Adaptability42
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Cooperation42
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

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Self-Control41
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Social Orientation40
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Leadership Orientation33
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Innovation31
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Sincerity18
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Tolerance for Ambiguity14
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Humility11
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Optimism2
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional91
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Enterprising61
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Investigative36
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic34
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Social11
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Artistic2
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day100%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day80%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually64%
- More than half the time32%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day50%
- Once a week or more but not every day45%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day65%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important38%
- Very important43%
- Important14%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important32%
- Very important41%
- Important18%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours45%
- 40 hours55%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom18%
- Some freedom55%
- Limited freedom27%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Some freedom68%
- Limited freedom23%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results27%
- Important results41%
- Moderate results23%
Time Pressure
- Every day14%
- Once a week or more but not every day55%
- Once a month or more but not every week27%

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Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others18%
- Contact with others most of the time36%
- Contact with others about half the time41%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important14%
- Very important38%
- Important29%
- Fairly important14%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day14%
- Once a week or more but not every day32%
- Once a month or more but not every week32%
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive36%
- Moderately competitive41%
- Slightly competitive14%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important19%
- Very important29%
- Important19%
- Not important at all24%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Once a month or more but not every week35%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility29%
- Moderate responsibility19%
- Limited responsibility38%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important18%
- Important27%
- Fairly important23%
- Not important at all23%
Physical Proximity
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)76%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)24%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month59%
Conflict Situations
- Once a month or more but not every week36%
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
- Never14%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious18%
- Serious18%
- Fairly serious27%
- Not serious at all32%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- More than half the time23%
- Less than half the time23%
- Never41%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month52%
- Never19%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated18%
- Moderately automated14%
- Slightly automated32%
- Not at all automated36%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- High responsibility14%
- Moderate responsibility19%
- Limited responsibility29%
- No responsibility38%
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time67%
- Never29%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never50%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)36%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)64%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
- Never45%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
- Never45%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never62%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time50%
- Never50%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never68%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Never82%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all91%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Never82%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never71%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never71%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never76%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never77%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never75%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never77%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never82%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never82%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never81%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time18%
- Never82%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never86%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never86%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time14%
- Never86%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never90%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never95%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Never91%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never91%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never95%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
High school diploma or equivalent

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Project management software
Galorath SEER, HCSS HeavyJob, Microsoft Project, Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Word processing software
Microsoft OneNote, Microsoft Word
Financial analysis software
CPR Visual Estimator, IBM Costimater, PRICE Sytems TruePlanning, Primavera Cost Management
Analytical or scientific software
ConEst Electrical Formulas, Construction Management Software ProEst, Procore software, WinEstimator WinEst
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, ConEst SureCount, Dassault Systemes CATIA
Accounting software
Choice Job Cost, Cost accounting software, Intuit QuickBooks, Sage 50 Accounting
Data base user interface and query software
Assured Software JPP, Microsoft Access, Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, Xactware Xactimate
Spreadsheet software
Apple AppleWorks, Corel QuattroPro, IBM Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, SAP software
Data base reporting software
Oracle Hyperion, SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports, Software AG enterprise software
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat, Laserfiche Avante
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Expert system software
EFI Hagen OA
Graphics or photo imaging software
Trimble SketchUp Pro
License management software
ConEst Permit Trac
Customer relationship management CRM software
Microsoft Business Contact Manager
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Billing and invoicing software
ConEst T&M Billing Manager
Process mapping and design software
Microsoft Visio

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Estimate costs of goods or services.
Analyze business or financial data.
Confer with others about financial matters.
Assess the cost effectiveness of products, projects, or services.
Monitor financial indicators.
Confer with personnel to coordinate business operations.
Establish business management methods.
Negotiate agreements to resolve disputes.
Develop business or financial information systems.
Prepare financial documents.
Collect data about project sites.
Inspect work sites to determine condition or necessary repairs.

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Maintain data in information systems or databases.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology