As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cost Engineer and Estimator IV in the United States is $141,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.
However, a Cost Engineer and Estimator IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cost Engineer and Estimator IV'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 IV'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 II | 2-4 years | $94,904 |
| Cost Engineer and Estimator III | 4-7 years | $106,860 |
| Cost Engineer and Estimator IV | 7+ years | $141,701 |
| Cost Engineer and Estimator V | 7-10 years | $167,241 |
| Project Cost Estimator Lead | 10+ years | $88,131 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 4.97% |
| Quotations | 2.25% |
| Civil Engineering | 1.05% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$163,070 |
15%
|
|
Medical Prescriptions
|
$160,234 |
13%
|
|
Schematic
|
$160,234 |
13%
|
|
Data Analysis
|
$157,398 |
11%
|
|
Value Engineering
|
$157,398 |
11%
|
|
Commitment
|
$154,562 |
9%
|
Cost Engineer and Estimator IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $158,737. While startup companies pay approximate $134,288.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $134,288 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $142,025 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $153,289 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $158,737 |
For Cost Engineer and Estimator IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Cost Engineer and Estimator positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cost Engineer and Estimator IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $170,160 | $82.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $170,160 | $82.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $170,160 | $82.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $163,070 | $78.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $163,070 | $78.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Cost Engineer and Estimator IV'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 IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Cost Engineer and Estimator V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $167,300 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
Salaries for a Cost Engineer and Estimator IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $121,221 in 2023 to around $120,812 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cost Engineer and Estimator IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $121,221 |
| 2024 | $121,773 |
| 2025 | $120,812 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Cost Engineer and Estimator IV roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Cost estimators are currently in demand, despite a projected 4 percent decline in employment from 2023 to 2033. On average, about 18,000 openings for cost estimators are expected each year. The salary range for this role is competitive, with a minimum salary of $122,900, a mid-salary of $138,000, and a maximum salary of $155,300.
As of now, a Cost Estimator in the USA earns between $122,900 and $155,300 annually, with a median salary of $138,000. This translates to approximately $59.00 to $74.60 per hour, or $2,500 to $3,000 per week. The salary reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field.
Estimators can earn a competitive salary. Based on recent data, the minimum salary for a Cost Engineer and Estimator is $122,900, with a mid-range salary of $138,000 and a maximum salary of $155,300. This indicates that estimators can indeed make a substantial income, especially compared to the median salary of $74,740 reported in 2023.
The most accurate salary for an Estimator typically ranges from a minimum of $122,900 to a maximum of $155,300, with a mid-salary of $138,000. Salary.com is a comprehensive resource for detailed salary data, breaking it down by industry, location, and experience level, covering most job roles in the U.S. and often including benefits information.
Yes, engineering pays six figures. For roles like Cost Engineer and Estimator, salaries range from a minimum of $122,900 to a maximum of $155,300, with a mid-salary of $138,000. This is significantly higher than the median annual wage for all occupations, which was $48,060 in May 2023.
Estimating engineers in the US can expect a salary range from $122,900 to $155,300 per year. The average salary is approximately $138,000, reflecting the midpoint of this range. These figures provide a clear overview of the earning potential for professionals in this field.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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