Cost Estimators vs. Accountants and Auditors: Who Earns More?
Accountants and Auditors out-earn Cost Estimators by $5K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Cost Estimators land at $78,740 and Accountants and Auditors at $83,680. The education gap is real: cost estimator programs typically require bachelor's degree, while accountants and auditor programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Cost Estimators is Massachusetts ($100,840); for Accountants and Auditors it's District of Columbia ($111,530).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Cost Estimators median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Cost Estimators or Accountants and Auditors?
Accountants and Auditors earn more nationally. The median is $78,740 for Cost Estimators versus $83,680 for Accountants and Auditors, a difference of $5K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Cost Estimators or Accountants and Auditors?
Accountants and Auditors has the better 10-year outlook at 4.6% projected growth, compared to -4.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Cost Estimators or Accountants and Auditors?
Cost Estimators typically requires bachelor's degree. Accountants and Auditors requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Cost Estimators get paid the most?
Massachusetts is the top-paying state for Cost Estimators at $100,840/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Cost Estimators vs. Accountants and Auditors pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Massachusetts, Cost Estimators earn $100,840 vs. $99,460 for Accountants and Auditors. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.