Cost Estimators Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Cost Estimators in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA make a median of $97,990 a year, or about $47.11 an hour. The range runs from $63K at the entry level to $171K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $88,743 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 56.6% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $98K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About cost estimators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level cost estimators (10th percentile) start around $63K. Mid-career wages sit at $98K.Top earners bring in $171K or more - a $109K 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 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do cost estimators make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $97,990 a year - that works out to about $47.11 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $62,570, and experienced cost estimators can clear $171,310. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $98K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,006/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 58% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a cost estimators salary go in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median cost estimators salary is worth about $88,743 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.