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Cost Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mace

Senior Cost Manager

Atlanta, GA · Hybrid

Manages, estimating and cost planning activities to include taking ownership of and presenting the final cost plan. * Contributes to the procurement process, ensuring that all stages including ...

Mace

Senior Cost Manager

West Portsmouth, OH · Hybrid

Manages, estimating and cost planning activities to include taking ownership of and presenting the final cost plan. * Contributes to the procurement process, ensuring that all stages including ...

New

Mace

Senior Cost Manager

West Portsmouth, OH · Hybrid

Manages, estimating and cost planning activities to include taking ownership of and presenting the final cost plan. * Contributes to the procurement process, ensuring that all stages including ...

New

Mace

Senior Cost Manager

West Portsmouth, OH · Hybrid

Manages, estimating and cost planning activities to include taking ownership of and presenting the final cost plan. * Contributes to the procurement process, ensuring that all stages including ...

New

Mace

Senior Cost Manager

West Portsmouth, OH · Hybrid

Manages, estimating and cost planning activities to include taking ownership of and presenting the final cost plan. * Contributes to the procurement process, ensuring that all stages including ...

New

Mace

Senior Cost Manager

Lubbock, TX · Hybrid

Manages, estimating and cost planning activities to include taking ownership of and presenting the final cost plan. * Contributes to the procurement process, ensuring that all stages including ...

New

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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 Jul 18, 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 skills do you need to be a cost estimator?

A cost estimator needs strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in estimating software and spreadsheets. Good communication skills and knowledge of construction, manufacturing, or engineering processes are also important for accurate cost assessment and collaboration.

What does a cost planner do?

A cost planner is responsible for estimating, analyzing, and managing project costs to ensure budgets are maintained. They prepare cost forecasts, develop budgets, and collaborate with project teams to control expenses using tools like spreadsheets and cost management software. Their work helps ensure projects are financially viable and completed within budget constraints.

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 job should I do if I like planning?

If you enjoy planning, a career as a cost planner or cost estimator could be suitable. These roles involve preparing budgets, analyzing project costs, and coordinating with teams, often requiring skills in spreadsheets and project management tools. Certifications like Certified Cost Estimator or Project Management Professional can enhance job prospects.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the field of cost planning, senior roles such as Cost Estimators, Project Managers, or Cost Engineers with extensive experience and advanced certifications can earn around $300,000 annually. High-level executives overseeing large projects or departments may also reach this salary level, especially in industries like construction, engineering, or infrastructure. These roles typically require strong analytical skills, industry knowledge, and often involve leadership responsibilities.

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:
Cost Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cost Planning job openings in the United States as of July 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.
Senior Cost Manager

Senior Cost Manager

Mace

Atlanta, GA • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 29 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 business we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project deliveryconsultancy to unlock the potential in every project.  

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

  • 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

You'll Be Responsible For : 

  • Accountable for feasibility studies, advising on procurement strategies and contract selection, writing and undertaking procurement reports. 

  • Utilises expertise and applies the value management techniques at the outset of a project.

  • Manages, estimating and cost planning activities to include taking ownership of and presenting the final cost plan.

  • Contributes to the procurement process, ensuring that all stages including prequalification, enquiry, analysis, selection and contract preparation are performed effectively.

  • Supervises the preparation of the contract documents, warranties, bonds and licenses and assist formal execution by the appropriate parties.

  • Advises on administration of the terms of the building contract.

  • Accountable for the measurement of valuations of the work carried out and  ensuring that cost checking and valuation work is managed effectively.

  • Ensures adequate cost control and reporting services during the contract and the production of monthly post-contract cost reports and presenting them to the client.

  • Identifies all costs associated with design changes, contract awards, construction activities and client charges.

  • Oversees and engages in the evaluation of claims for delay and additional costs made by the contractor and any nominated subcontractors/suppliers.

  • Provides comprehensice advise on the issuing of certificate of making good defects and final completion in accordance with any requirements relating to completion, submissions and approvals.

  • Advises on the issue of certificates of practical completion and ensure that final accounts are negotiated and agreed.

  • Manages team of Cost Consultants, providing guidance, direction and coaching and performance management. 

  • Delivers improvements in systems and processes, driving transformational change.

  • Provides mentoring/training to members of the team. 

  • Shares technical/functional/domain expertise to upskill capabilities. 

  • Develops & maintains a series of both internal and external relationships.
    Manages & influences Key/Senior stakeholders.                                                                           

  • Identifies and implements continuous improvement plans/identifies key business improvements.                                                                           

  • Works 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 

  • Degree in Quantity Surveying / Cost Management (or equivalent) with relevant technical qualifications or certifications aligned to the project portfolio.

  • Proven experience in cost planning, budgeting, estimating, and sound understanding of costs, timescales, and associated delivery risks.

  • Strong knowledge of construction contracts, including methods of measurement, contractual frameworks, contract law, and detailed forms of contract.

  • Demonstrable experience in contract administration and contract management, providing advice across the full project lifecycle.

  • Sound knowledge of value engineering, life cycle costing, and commercial decision-making.

  • Digitally competent with knowledge of BIM techniques and applications, supported by strong analytical skills.

  • Excellent negotiation, influencing, and communication skills, with the ability to deliver service excellence and command professional respect at all levels (MRICS/RICS or equivalent preferred).

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 with-in the role.

Apply