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Cost Engineering Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Cost Engineer Analyst

UT · On-site

$76K - $97K/yr

Overview Tecolote is a trusted independent advisor providing consulting, analytics, and digital ... Progressive experience in cost engineering, developing detailed cost estimates utilizing cost ...

This is a hands-on role for a consultant who can operate across the full lifecycle: * Rapidly ... cost, with scalable architecture and a clean handoff for internal teams * Duration: 8-12 weeks ...

Cost Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Hill International is seeking a Cost Engineer in Seattle, Washington Responsibilities * Monitor ... other consulting services to clients in a variety of market sectors. Engineering News-Record ...

Cost Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Hill International is seeking a Cost Engineer in Seattle, Washington Hill International, with more ... other consulting services to clients in a variety of market sectors. Engineering News-Record ...

This is a hands-on role for a consultant who can operate across the full lifecycle: * Rapidly ... cost, with scalable architecture and a clean handoff for internal teams * Duration: 8-12 weeks ...

LAWA Sr. Cost Engineer (Level III)

CA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

... have proven cost engineering experience with complex, multi-phase, multi-million-dollar ... Review task orders for contractors, sub-consultants, and City of Los Angeles Interdepartmental ...

This individual will maintain relationships with project personnel, particularly with individual discipline group leaders and engineers. The Senior Cost Consultant leads project team members and is ...

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Cost Engineering Consultant information

See salary details

$45.5K

$97K

$139.5K

How much do cost engineering consultant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for cost engineering consultant in the United States is $97,048.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $114,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cost engineering consultant do?

A Cost Engineering Consultant specializes in estimating, analyzing, and controlling the costs associated with engineering projects. They provide expert advice to help organizations manage budgets, forecast expenses, and ensure projects are completed within financial constraints. This role often involves cost estimation, risk analysis, value engineering, and the implementation of cost control systems. Cost Engineering Consultants work closely with project managers, engineers, and stakeholders to optimize resources and support decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cost engineering consultant?

To thrive as a Cost Engineering Consultant, you need expertise in cost estimation, project management, and financial analysis, often supported by a degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Primavera, CostX, or SAP and certifications such as AACE certification are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication set top professionals apart in this role. These skills are crucial for delivering accurate cost assessments and supporting project success within budgetary constraints.

What are some common challenges faced by cost engineering consultants when working with project teams?

Cost Engineering Consultants often face the challenge of balancing accurate cost estimation with evolving project scopes and tight deadlines. They need to collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, and procurement teams to gather reliable data and ensure that budgets remain aligned with project goals. Navigating shifting client requirements and market fluctuations can also impact cost forecasts, requiring adaptability and clear communication. Building strong relationships with stakeholders is key to effectively managing expectations and delivering value.

What is the difference between Cost Engineering Consultant vs Cost Estimator?

AspectCost Engineering ConsultantCost Estimator
CredentialsOften requires certifications like AACE Certified Cost Professional (CCP)May have similar certifications but less emphasis on broader cost management
Work EnvironmentWorks on project cost control, risk analysis, and value engineeringFocuses on detailed cost calculations and bid preparation
Industry UsageUsed in construction, engineering, and infrastructure projectsPrimarily in construction and manufacturing sectors

The main difference is that a Cost Engineering Consultant provides comprehensive cost management, including analysis and optimization, while a Cost Estimator primarily focuses on calculating and preparing cost estimates for projects.

Is cost engineering a good career?

Cost engineering is a viable career that involves estimating, controlling, and managing project costs, often requiring skills in budgeting, data analysis, and project management tools. It offers opportunities in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and energy, with potential for career growth and certification options like the Certified Cost Professional (CCP).

What states have the most Cost Engineering Consultant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cost Engineering Consultant jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Cost Engineering Consultant jobs?

For Cost Engineering Consultant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cost Engineering Consultant job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,048 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

USACE Cost Estimator

Wilmington, NC • Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

About Company:

Kundlas Consulting Group LLC is a professional consulting firm specializing in construction inspection and compliance services for public infrastructure projects. Our core services include on-site inspection of roadway, bridge, and utility construction to ensure adherence to engineering specifications, safety standards, and contract requirements. We support clients with daily reporting, materials testing coordination, schedule tracking, and quality assurance oversight. Additional services include project management, grants management for federally funded infrastructure and disaster recovery programs. 

About the Role:

The Cost Estimator will support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) READI contract by developing detailed and parametric cost estimates for emergency response, disaster recovery, infrastructure restoration, facility rehabilitation, and resiliency projects. This role provides cost engineering expertise to support project planning, budgeting, scope development, acquisition strategies, and decision-making throughout all phases of project delivery.

The Cost Estimator will analyze project requirements, engineering designs, technical specifications, construction methodologies, and market conditions to prepare accurate and defensible cost estimates in accordance with USACE standards and federal requirements. The position requires close coordination with architects, engineers, project managers, construction professionals, and government stakeholders to ensure estimates accurately reflect project scope, schedule, risk, and resource requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Cost Engineering, Architecture, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline.
  • MCACES MII Certified Estimator with demonstrated experience preparing construction cost estimates.
  • Professional experience developing detailed, conceptual, parametric, and engineer’s cost estimates for construction, infrastructure, or facility projects.
  • Proficiency in MCACES MII, RSMeans, cost estimating databases, and related cost engineering software applications.
  • Strong knowledge of construction methods, labor productivity factors, equipment costs, material pricing, and subcontractor cost analysis.
  • Experience reviewing engineering drawings, technical specifications, construction documents, and project scopes.
  • Strong analytical, mathematical, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), Certified Cost Professional (CCP), or equivalent cost engineering credential.
  • Experience supporting USACE, FEMA, NAVFAC, GSA, DoD, or other federal construction and infrastructure programs.
  • Experience preparing estimates for emergency response, disaster recovery, infrastructure restoration, or Design-Build projects.
  • Familiarity with life-cycle cost analysis, risk-based estimating, and value engineering methodologies.
  • Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), federal contracting practices, and government project delivery processes.
  • Experience supporting large-scale civil works, facility construction, or infrastructure rehabilitation programs.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop detailed and parametric cost estimates supporting emergency response, disaster recovery, and infrastructure restoration projects.
  • Review project plans, specifications, engineering studies, reports, and construction documents to define project scope and estimate requirements.
  • Prepare conceptual, preliminary, detailed, and independent government cost estimates in accordance with USACE estimating procedures.
  • Utilize MCACES MII and other approved estimating tools to develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and indirect cost estimates.
  • Perform quantity takeoffs, pricing analyses, escalation assessments, and cost validation activities.
  • Coordinate with architects, engineers, project managers, construction specialists, and government representatives to resolve estimating issues and clarify project requirements.
  • Support value engineering studies, constructability reviews, and risk assessments to identify cost optimization opportunities.
  • Prepare cost estimate reports, basis-of-estimate documentation, cost narratives, and supporting technical documentation.
  • Maintain current pricing databases, historical cost information, and market intelligence to support estimate accuracy.
  • Participate in project planning, acquisition support, budget development, and project review activities as required.

Skills:

The ideal candidate must possess strong expertise in construction cost estimating, cost engineering, and project budgeting to support emergency response and recovery projects. Proficiency in MCACES MII, quantity takeoff methodologies, cost databases, and estimating software is essential for developing accurate and defensible cost estimates. A thorough understanding of construction practices, labor productivity factors, equipment utilization, material pricing, and federal construction requirements is critical for evaluating project costs and supporting acquisition decisions. The candidate should demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess project risks, interpret technical documentation, and develop realistic cost projections under rapidly evolving project conditions. Experience performing parametric estimating, independent government estimates, value engineering evaluations, and risk-based cost analyses is highly desirable. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary for preparing cost reports, presenting estimate findings, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and government stakeholders. Familiarity with USACE cost engineering procedures, disaster recovery operations, and federal infrastructure programs is essential for successful performance under the USACE READI contract.