Cost Estimators

Salaries vary according to the size of the construction or manufacturing firm and the experience and education of the worker. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual salary for cost estimators was $74,740 in May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,820 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $124,520. By industry, mean annual earnings were as follows:

• nonresidential building construction, $94,430
• building equipment contractors, $84,770
• building finishing contractors, $74,000
• residential building construction, $70,670

Starting salaries for graduates of engineering or construction management programs are higher than those with degrees in other fields.

Benefits for full-time workers include vacation and sick time, health, and sometimes dental, insurance, and pension or 401(k) plans. Self-employed cost estimators must provide their own benefits.