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Temporary Cost Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cost Manager

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$60 - $80/hr

Mentoring junior estimators and cost consultants will also be a key part of your responsibilities ... If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical ...

Cost Manager

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$60 - $80/hr

Mentoring junior estimators and cost consultants will also be a key part of your responsibilities ... If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical ...

Senior Cost Accountant

Irvine, CA · Remote

$40 - $50/hr

Senior Cost Accountant (Consultant) Location: Irvine, CA (Remote) Assignment Type: Temporary Compensation: $40.00 - $50.00 per hour Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Benefits: This ...

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical ... With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and ...

Cost Analyst

Englewood Cliffs, NJ · On-site

$76K - $93K/yr

Cost Analyst Position Level: Assistant Manager ~ Manager OVERALL SUMMARY OF THE POSITION The Cost ... Review and process invoices related to labor services (e.g., contractors, temporary staffing)

Coordinate commercial inputs across client, consultant, contractor, statutory authority and ... temporary works, site access, public interface, road safety, abnormal loads and construction ...

$97K - $125K/yr

For employees that are covered this includes low cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Click here to review the City of ...

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Temporary Cost Consultant information

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How much do temporary cost consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary cost consultant in the United States is $39.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.00 and $50.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Temporary Cost Consultant vs Cost Analyst?

AspectTemporary Cost ConsultantCost Analyst
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., CPC, AACE certifications), industry experienceSimilar certifications, often with a focus on finance or accounting
Work EnvironmentProject-based, temporary assignments, consulting firms or client sitesFull-time or part-time roles within companies, offices, or departments
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, construction, engineering, manufacturingCorporations, government agencies, finance sectors
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for temporary cost consulting roles or project-based workSeeking ongoing cost analysis or budgeting roles

Temporary Cost Consultants focus on short-term, project-specific cost management, often working on-site or as external advisors. Cost Analysts typically hold ongoing roles within organizations, analyzing costs regularly to support budgeting and financial planning. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in duration and employment type.

What are Temporary Cost Consultants?

Temporary Cost Consultants are professionals hired on a short-term basis to provide expert advice on estimating, managing, and controlling costs within a construction or engineering project. They often work with contractors, developers, or clients to ensure that projects stay within budget and achieve financial goals. Their responsibilities may include cost planning, preparing tender documents, value engineering, and financial reporting. Hiring these consultants temporarily allows organizations to access specialized expertise for specific projects without committing to a long-term employment contract.

What type of consultant gets paid the most?

Among consulting roles, management consultants and specialized industry consultants, such as financial or IT consultants, tend to earn the highest salaries. Temporary cost consultants typically earn less than permanent or senior-level consultants, but compensation varies based on experience, certifications, and project scope.

How do independent consultants find work?

Independent consultants, including those working as temporary cost consultants, find work through networking, referrals, and online platforms such as freelance job boards and professional networks. Building a strong reputation, showcasing relevant skills, and obtaining certifications can also help attract clients and secure assignments.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Cost Consultant, you need expertise in cost management, budgeting, and financial analysis, often supported by a degree in quantity surveying, finance, or a related field. Familiarity with cost estimation software, spreadsheets, and industry-specific project management tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help consultants interpret data and present findings clearly to clients. These skills ensure accurate cost control, informed decision-making, and successful project delivery within budget constraints.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Temporary Cost Consultant when joining a new project team?

As a Temporary Cost Consultant, one common challenge is quickly acclimating to a project's existing processes and documentation while building rapport with permanent team members. You may need to swiftly assess the project scope, current cost controls, and reporting standards to provide accurate and timely advice. Adaptability, clear communication, and a proactive approach are essential to integrate effectively and deliver value within a limited timeframe. Collaboration with project managers, engineers, and finance teams is frequent, so being able to align with diverse stakeholders is crucial to success.

What does a cost consultant do?

A cost consultant analyzes project costs to help clients manage budgets and control expenses. They prepare cost estimates, monitor spending, and provide advice on cost-saving measures, often using specialized software and industry standards. Their work supports project planning, procurement, and financial decision-making.

How much money do independent consultants make?

Independent cost consultants typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and project scope. Their income can vary based on the number of clients, project complexity, and geographic location, with many working on a freelance or contract basis requiring strong analytical skills and industry knowledge.
More about Temporary Cost Consultant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cost Consultant jobs? The most popular types of Cost Consultant jobs are:
Infographic showing various Temporary Cost Consultant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,641 per year, or $39.7 per hour.
Cost Manager

Cost Manager

Actalent

Manhattan, NY • Hybrid

$60 - $80/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Cost Manager

Job Description

As a Cost Manager, you will prepare conceptual, schematic, and CD electrical cost estimates. Your role involves performing quantity takeoffs and pricing for power, lighting, fire alarm, low voltage, and specialty systems. You will manage project budgets, forecasts, and cost reporting, review contractor bids, GMPs, and change orders, and conduct value engineering and cost-saving analyses. Additionally, you will support procurement strategies and contract administration while presenting cost reports and recommendations to clients. Mentoring junior estimators and cost consultants will also be a key part of your responsibilities.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare conceptual, schematic, and CD electrical cost estimates.
  • Perform quantity takeoffs and pricing for power, lighting, fire alarm, low voltage, and specialty systems.
  • Manage project budgets, forecasts, and cost reporting.
  • Review contractor bids, GMPs, and change orders.
  • Conduct value engineering and cost-saving analyses.
  • Support procurement strategies and contract administration.
  • Present cost reports and recommendations to clients.
  • Mentor junior estimators and cost consultants.

Essential Skills

  • 10+ years of electrical estimating, cost management, or project controls experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or related field.
  • Experience with healthcare, commercial, infrastructure, mission-critical, or large-scale construction projects.
  • Strong knowledge of electrical systems, construction methods, and industry pricing.
  • Proficiency with CostX, Bluebeam, Excel, RSMeans, or similar estimating platforms.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Certified Cost Professional (CCP)
  • Certified Estimating Professional (CEP)
  • Professional Engineer (PE)
  • LEED Accreditation
  • RICS or Quantity Surveying credentials

Work Environment

This position is fully remote and aligned to regional teams, with a focus on NYC.

You will enjoy a work-life balanced schedule with a salaried position (40-hour weeks) and benefits including 80 hours PTO, 8 holidays, 401k, medical, dental, and vision coverage.

The environment is collaborative, empowering professionals to make impactful contributions from early planning through project delivery.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of New York, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in New York,NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 22, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


Actalent logo

About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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