Cost Estimators Salary in U.S. (2024)
Cost Estimators in U.S. make a median of $77,070 a year, or about $37.05 an hour. The range runs from $46K at the entry level to $129K for experienced workers.
Updated
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
So what does $77K get you in U.S.?
About cost estimators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level cost estimators (10th percentile) start around $46K. Mid-career wages sit at $77K.Top earners bring in $129K or more - a $82K spread from bottom to top.
Cost Estimators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $103K | +33% | 5,340 |
| California | $85K | +10% | 25,580 |
| District of Columbia | $84K | +10% | 360 |
| New York | $83K | +8% | 9,790 |
| Washington | $83K | +8% | 7,320 |
| Maryland | $81K | +6% | 4,380 |
| New Jersey | $81K | +5% | 5,130 |
| Nevada | $80K | +4% | 2,370 |
| Minnesota | $80K | +4% | 4,170 |
| Illinois | $80K | +4% | 6,220 |
| Arizona | $79K | +3% | 4,540 |
| Utah | $79K | +3% | 2,500 |
| Oregon | $79K | +2% | 2,920 |
| Vermont | $79K | +2% | 450 |
| Hawaii | $79K | +2% | 960 |
Track cost estimators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do cost estimators make in U.S.?
The median is $77,070 a year - that works out to about $37.05 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $46,330, and experienced cost estimators can clear $128,640. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $77K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,217/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 27.1% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a cost estimators salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median cost estimators salary is worth about $77,070 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do cost estimators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.