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Cost Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Managing, estimating and cost planning activities to include taking ownership of and presenting the final cost plan. * Assisting in procurement and selection of main contractor. * Preparing contract ...

Managing, estimating and cost planning activities to include taking ownership of and presenting the final cost plan. * Assisting in procurement and selection of main contractor. * Preparing contract ...

Senior Plant Cost Analyst

Monroe, NC

$77K - $98K/yr

This position will be based in Monroe, NC As a Sr. Cost Analyst, you will be responsible for assisting in the subject areas of operational rate development & maintenance, cost planning, analysis ...

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Cost Planning information

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$39K

$107K

$147K

How much do cost planning jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for cost planning in the United States is $107,007.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $121,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Cost Planning professional typically collaborate with project managers and other stakeholders during a project's lifecycle?

Cost Planning professionals work closely with project managers, engineers, and finance teams to ensure that project budgets are realistic and adhered to throughout the project lifecycle. They participate in initial cost estimation, monitor expenditure against budgets, and provide regular cost reports to inform decision-making. Effective collaboration involves attending project meetings, reviewing design changes, and communicating potential cost impacts early, helping to minimize overruns and keep the project on track. Open and proactive communication with various stakeholders is crucial for successful cost control and project delivery.

What professions make $500,000 a year?

Professions that can earn $500,000 or more annually include senior roles such as investment bankers, corporate executives, specialized surgeons, and successful entrepreneurs. High earnings often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and in some cases, ownership of a business or significant performance bonuses.

What is the difference between Cost Planning vs Cost Estimation?

AspectCost PlanningCost Estimation
PurposeDevelops a detailed budget and manages costs throughout a projectProvides an approximate cost for a project or component
TimingEarly project phases and ongoing controlPreliminary phase, before detailed planning
Detail LevelHigh, with detailed budgets and cost control measuresLow to medium, rough approximations
Tools & TechniquesCost breakdown structures, budgeting softwareAnalogous, parametric, or bottom-up methods

Cost Planning focuses on creating and managing a detailed budget throughout a project's lifecycle, ensuring costs stay within limits. Cost Estimation provides an initial approximate cost to assess feasibility and inform decision-making. Both are essential but serve different stages and purposes in project management.

What is cost planning?

Cost planning is the process of estimating, budgeting, and controlling costs throughout a project's lifecycle to ensure it stays within the approved budget. It involves forecasting the expenses associated with resources, materials, labor, and other project requirements. Cost planning helps organizations make informed financial decisions, identify potential cost overruns early, and optimize resource allocation for maximum efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cost Planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cost Planner, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a background in finance, engineering, or quantity surveying, often supported by relevant degrees or certifications. Proficiency in cost estimation software (such as CostX or Bluebeam), Excel, and familiarity with project management systems is essential. Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively with project teams and stakeholders. These skills ensure accurate budgeting, cost control, and successful project delivery within financial constraints.
More about Cost Planning jobs
What cities are hiring for Cost Planning jobs? Cities with the most Cost Planning job openings:
What states have the most Cost Planning jobs? States with the most job openings for Cost Planning jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cost Planning jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cost Planning jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cost Planning job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,007 per year, or $51.4 per hour.
Cost Consultant

Cost Consultant

Mace

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We believe in creating places that are responsible, bringing transformative impact to our people, communities and societies across the globe. To learn more about our purpose, culture, and priorities, visit our strategy site.

Within our consult business, we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project delivery consultancy to unlock the potential in every project.

The Project: If you like the idea of working on multi-billion-dollar programmes at the forefront of global technology - for some of the largest data centre developers and end user clients in the world - then the U.S. offers unparalleled opportunity.
These roles are typically site based, embedding you within highly skilled, multidisciplinary teams where you'll play a key part in commercial support: monthly pay applications, change order reviews, financial reporting, and on the ground commercial decision making. Opportunities span hot and cool climates alike, from mountain rimmed regions with outdoor lifestyles to lively college towns with thriving downtown food scenes. For colleagues excited by pace, scale, and hands on delivery, the data centre sector offers a breadth of work and lifestyle choice that is hard to match.

Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey, they are:

  • Safety First - Going home safe and well
  • Client Focus - Deliver on our promise
  • Integrity - Always do the right thing
  • Create Opportunity - For our people to excel

Providing cost management services from inception to completion for ongoing and new commissions in various sectors.
Responsible for supporting (area/discipline/specialism), using sound technical/functional capabilities.

You'll Be Responsible For:

  • Conducting feasibility studies, advising on procurement strategies and contract selection, writing and undertaking procurement reports.
  • Applying the value management techniques at the outset of a project.
  • Managing, estimating and cost planning activities to include taking ownership of and presenting the final cost plan.
  • Assisting in procurement and selection of main contractor.
  • Preparing contract documents, warranties, bonds and licenses and assist formal execution by the appropriate parties.
  • Advising on administration of the terms of the building contract.
  • Measuring and providing valuations of the work carried out and adjust variations in accordance with the terms of the contract and agree with the contractor.
  • Providing cost control and reporting services during the contract.
  • Preparing financial reports for the client in the form and at the frequency required.
  • Identifying all costs associated with design changes, contract awards, construction activities and client charges.
  • Participating in the evaluation of claims for delay and additional costs made by the contractor and any nominated subcontractors/suppliers.
  • Advising on the issue of certificates of practical completion and ensure that final accounts are negotiated and agreed.
  • Advising on issue of certificate of making good defects and final completion in accordance with any requirements relating to completion, submissions and approvals.
  • Delivering improvements in systems and processes, driving transformational change.
  • Providing guidance and direction to Assistant Cost Consultant and other junior team members.
  • Providing informal mentoring/training to junior members of the team.
  • Seeking opportunities for continuous improvements/improving working processes.
  • Developing effective working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Managing stakeholders.
  • Working collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition and share responsibility for the proactive identification and management of the associated carbon emissions and reductions during the delivery of work.

You'll Need To Have:

  • Understanding of present-day issues such as sustainability, social value and carbon reduction.
  • Strong understanding of industry best practice.
  • A degree in quantity surveying/cost management (or equivalent).
  • Professional membership or working towards i.e. MRICS/RICS (or equivalent).
  • Proficient knowledge and expertise in specific sector/ market of project/role.
  • Relevant technical qualification/certification for project portfolio/s.
  • Experience in most forms of contract.
  • Sound knowledge and ability to undertake and advise on contract administration and contract management.

You'll Also Have:

  • Proven experience in cost consultancy.
  • Cost planning, budgeting and estimating experience.
  • Sound understanding of costs and timescales of work undertaken and implications of risk of failure to deliver.
  • Understanding different types of contracts including the method of measurement.
  • Negotiation skills.
  • Analytical skills.
  • Digitally competent.
  • Ability to be effective communicator with all stakeholders.
  • Ability to seek opportunities for implementing improved working practices.
  • Manages relevant stakeholders for project/s.
  • Develops effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Good interpersonal skills to prepare reports, negotiate and build relationships with key stakeholders.
  • Problem solving and analytical skills for resolving cost and contract administration and procurement issues within consult.

Note: The estimated salary for this position is 100,000 - 130,000 USD. Starting salary may vary based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as experience, skills and qualifications.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all of the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organization.

We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.

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