Cost Estimator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Cost Estimators Make?
Cost Estimators earn a median annual salary of $77,070 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $46,330 at the 10th percentile to $128,640 at the 90th percentile — a range of $82,310. The highest-paying state is Massachusetts at $102,680.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,330 |
| 25th percentile | $59,830 |
| Median (50th) | $77,070 |
| 75th percentile | $99,630 |
| 90th percentile | $128,640 |
Cost Estimator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Massachusettstop | $102,680 |
| California | $84,610 |
| District of Columbia | $84,410 |
| New York | $82,940 |
| Washington | $82,900 |
| Colorado | $81,990 |
| Maryland | $81,490 |
| New Jersey | $80,880 |
| Nevada | $80,270 |
| Minnesota | $79,950 |
| Illinois | $79,880 |
| Arizona | $79,310 |
| Utah | $79,150 |
| Oregon | $78,970 |
| Vermont | $78,820 |
| Hawaii | $78,630 |
| New Hampshire | $77,720 |
| Connecticut | $77,130 |
| Iowa | $76,290 |
| Michigan | $76,080 |
| Rhode Island | $75,990 |
| Virginia | $75,970 |
| Ohio | $75,450 |
| Delaware | $75,390 |
| Texas | $74,930 |
| Idaho | $74,880 |
| Wyoming | $74,870 |
| Pennsylvania | $74,590 |
| Tennessee | $74,570 |
| Missouri | $73,360 |
| Maine | $73,090 |
| Georgia | $72,850 |
| South Dakota | $72,670 |
| Kansas | $72,600 |
| North Carolina | $72,230 |
| Florida | $71,920 |
| Wisconsin | $71,880 |
| Indiana | $71,590 |
| West Virginia | $70,630 |
| North Dakota | $70,250 |
| Kentucky | $69,490 |
| Nebraska | $69,110 |
| New Mexico | $69,040 |
| Louisiana | $68,500 |
| Montana | $68,360 |
| Alaska | $68,310 |
| Alabama | $68,030 |
| South Carolina | $67,420 |
| Mississippi | $66,410 |
| Oklahoma | $63,790 |
| Arkansas | $62,870 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Cost Estimators
Cost Estimator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$46,330 – $59,830 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$77,070 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$99,630 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $128,640+ |
How to Earn More as a Cost Estimator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Cost Estimators in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH earn $104,190 — $27,120 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($99,630) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Cost Estimator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Cost Estimatorthis career | $77,070 |
| Construction Manager | $106,980 |
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | $167,740 |
| Purchasing Agent | N/A |
| Logistics Engineer | $80,880 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
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SOC: 13-1051.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.