As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cost Engineer and Estimator III in Montana is $100,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, a Cost Engineer and Estimator III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cost Engineer and Estimator III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cost Engineer and Estimator III's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Engineer and Estimator I | 0-2 years | $69,847 |
| Cost Engineer and Estimator II | 2-4 years | $89,599 |
| Cost Engineer and Estimator III | 4-7 years | $100,887 |
| Cost Engineer and Estimator IV | 7+ years | $133,780 |
| Cost Engineer and Estimator V | 7-10 years | $157,892 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cost Engineer and Estimator IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Cost Engineer and Estimator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $112,952. While startup companies pay approximate $95,554.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $95,554 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $101,060 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $109,075 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $112,952 |
For Cost Engineer and Estimator III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Cost Engineer and Estimator positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cost Engineer and Estimator III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $110,990 | $53.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $110,990 | $53.0 | 10% |
| Business Services | $110,990 | $53.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $110,990 | $53.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $110,990 | $53.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Cost Engineer and Estimator III's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For a Cost Engineer and Estimator III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Cost Engineer and Estimator IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $133,800 - a projected growth of 33% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cost Engineer and Estimator III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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