Cost Estimators vs. Business Operations Specialists, All Other: Who Earns More?
Business Operations Specialists, All Other out-earn Cost Estimators by $4K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Cost Estimators land at $78,740 and Business Operations Specialists, All Other at $83,050. The education gap is real: cost estimator programs typically require bachelor's degree, while business operations specialists, all other programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Cost Estimators is Massachusetts ($100,840); for Business Operations Specialists, All Other it's District of Columbia ($108,160).
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 Business Operations Specialists, All Other?
Business Operations Specialists, All Other earn more nationally. The median is $78,740 for Cost Estimators versus $83,050 for Business Operations Specialists, All Other, a difference of $4K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Cost Estimators or Business Operations Specialists, All Other?
Business Operations Specialists, All Other has the better 10-year outlook at 3% projected growth, compared to -4.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Cost Estimators or Business Operations Specialists, All Other?
Cost Estimators typically requires bachelor's degree. Business Operations Specialists, All Other 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. Business Operations Specialists, All Other pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Massachusetts, Cost Estimators earn $100,840 vs. $93,270 for Business Operations Specialists, All Other. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.