What is the average hourly wage for Cost Estimators?

The median hourly wage for Cost Estimators is $33.00 per hour. This translates to approximately $68,640 per year working full-time.

What states pay Cost Estimators the most?

Salaries for Cost Estimators vary significantly by location. Use the state-by-state table above to see which states offer the highest median wages for this occupation.

What education is needed to become a cost estimator?

Typical education required: Bachelor's degree.

Cost Estimators Salary

Name: Cost Estimators Salary Data
Creator: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
License: https://www.bls.gov/bls/linksite.htm

Official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024

Median Annual Salary

$68,640

$33.00 / hour

▲ 7% (Faster than average)

Salary Range

$36,379 - $118,061

10th to 90th percentile

Total Employed

220,480

workers nationally

🏛️ Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | Updated: Annual | Methodology

Cost Estimators Salary by Percentile

$36,379 $118,061

10th pct Median: $68,640 90th pct

Percentile	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
10th (Entry Level)	$36,379	$17.49
25th Percentile	$49,421	$23.76
50th (Median)	$68,640	$33.00
75th Percentile	$94,723	$45.54
90th (Top Earners)	$118,061	$56.76
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024

Top Paying States for Cost Estimators

#	State	Median Annual	Median Hourly
1	District of Columbia (DC)	$90,605	$43.56
2	California (CA)	$85,800	$41.25
3	Massachusetts (MA)	$83,741	$40.26
4	New York (NY)	$83,741	$40.26
5	New Jersey (NJ)	$82,368	$39.60
6	Connecticut (CT)	$80,995	$38.94
7	Maryland (MD)	$80,995	$38.94
8	Hawaii (HI)	$78,936	$37.95
9	Alaska (AK)	$76,877	$36.96
10	Washington (WA)	$76,877	$36.96
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

About Cost Estimators

Cost Estimators work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the business finance sector of the U.S. economy.

Education Requirements

Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

Job Outlook for Cost Estimators

Projected Growth

+7%

2022-2032

▲ 7% (Faster than average)

Annual Job Openings

980,200

projected annually

Outlook data based on BLS Employment Projections program. Growth rate is projected change in employment 2022-2032.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Cost Estimators make?

The median annual salary for Cost Estimators is $68,640 (BLS OEWS May 2024). Entry-level workers earn around $36,379, while the top 10% earn $118,061 or more.

What is the hourly wage for Cost Estimators?

Cost Estimators earn a median hourly wage of $33.00 per hour. Working full-time (40 hrs/week, 52 weeks), this equals approximately $68,640 annually.

Is Cost Estimators a good-paying career?

With a median salary of $68,640, Cost Estimators earns above the U.S. median household income. Job outlook: Faster than average (7% growth, 2022-2032).

What education do Cost Estimators need?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization - check with specific employers and BLS OOH for detailed requirements.