▼6%
$19.16
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)
/ hour
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)
10%
$10.62
MEDIAN
$19.16
90%
$22.71
The average hourly pay for a Cost Estimator is $19.16 in 2025
Hourly Rate
$11 - $23
Bonus
$0 - $2k
Total Pay
$27k - $57k
Is Average Entry-Level Cost Estimator with Cost Accounting Skills Hourly Pay your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Cost Estimators?
What Do Cost Estimators Do?
Cost Estimator Tasks
- Produce cost estimates for a project based on project plans and discussions with clients and engineers.
- Analyze current processes, personnel, and materials to identify methods for reducing costs.
- Make new cost estimates as project progresses, and discuss changes with engineers, contractors, and clients.
- Conduct research to determine needs for personnel, machinery, materials, and other factors which affect costs.
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Cost Estimator
Medical
61%
Dental
57%
Vision
35%
None
39%
Gender Breakdown for Cost Estimators
Male
65.0%
Female
35.0%
This data is based on 20 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Cost Estimators
What is the highest pay for Cost Estimators?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Cost Estimator is $22.71 / hour
What is the lowest pay for Cost Estimators?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Cost Estimator is $10.62 / hour
How can Cost Estimators increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Cost Estimator is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Cost Estimator that oversees more junior Cost Estimators, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.