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Cost Engineer and Estimator IV Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Cost Engineer and Estimator IV make in District of Columbia?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cost Engineer and Estimator IV in District of Columbia is $156,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $75.

However, a Cost Engineer and Estimator IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $198,548
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $145,400 to $178,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $134,930
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View as table View as graph 25% $145,400 10% $134,930 90% $198,548 75% $178,700 $156,900 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Cost Engineer and Estimator IV Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $178,700 $14,892 $3,437 $86
Average $156,900 $13,075 $3,017 $75
25th Percentile $145,400 $12,117 $2,796 $70
Check out Cost Engineer and Estimator IV Job Openings in District of Columbia
Electronics Engineer III

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - ALAMEDA, NM

Engineer IV

Geodis - BRENTWOOD, TN

Electronics Engineer III

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - ALBUQUERQUE, NM

Estimator

ECC Exteriors, LLC - TUKWILA, WA

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Key Factors That Influence Cost Engineer and Estimator IV Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Cost Engineer and Estimator Salaries?

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:

  • Cost Engineer and Estimator II (2-4 years): $105,078
  • Cost Engineer and Estimator III (4-7 years): $118,315
  • Cost Engineer and Estimator IV (7+ years): $156,891
  • Cost Engineer and Estimator V (7-10 years): $185,169
  • Project Cost Estimator Lead (10+ years): $97,579
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Cost Engineer and Estimator II2-4 years$105,078
Cost Engineer and Estimator III4-7 years$118,315
Cost Engineer and Estimator IV7+ years$156,891
Cost Engineer and Estimator V7-10 years$185,169
Project Cost Estimator Lead10+ years$97,579
$105,078 Cost Engi...
$118,315 Cost Engi...
$156,891 Cost Engi...
$185,169 Cost Engi...
$97,579 Project C...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Cost Engineer and Estimator IVs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Parcel Return Service: $156,100
  • Washington: $156,100
  • Naval Anacost Annex: $156,100

Cost Engineer and Estimator IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $175,640. While startup companies pay approximate $148,588.

Cost Engineer and Estimator IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$148,588
Growth Stage51~500$157,149
Established501~5000$169,612
Enterprise5000+$175,640

Cost Engineer and Estimator IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Cost Engineer and Estimator IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$188,280$91.020%
Pharmaceuticals$188,280$91.020%
Software & Networking$188,280$91.020%
Biotechnology$180,435$87.015%
Financial Services$180,435$87.015%

Cost Engineer and Estimator IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$145,400
Average $156,900/year
$178,700
$12,117
Average $13,075/month
$14,892
$2,796
Average $3,017/week
$3,437
$70
Average $75/hour
$86
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $178,700 $14,892 $3,437 $86
Average $156,900 $13,075 $3,017 $75
25th Percentile $145,400 $12,117 $2,796 $70

Cost Engineer and Estimator IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Cost Engineer and Estimator IV
Cost Engineer and Estimator V
Technical Project Estimating Manager

For 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 $185,200 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.

Salaries of jobs related to Cost Engineer and Estimator IV

Find Your Next Cost Engineer and Estimator IV Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cost Engineer and Estimator IV job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States

  • The H&K Group

    SKIPPACK, PA

    Estimator

    The H&K Group | SKIPPACK, PA

    H&K does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran... more

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  • ACV, INC.

    BUFFALO, NY

    Software Engineer IV Data

    ACV, INC. | BUFFALO, NY

    Who are we looking for: We are looking for an exceptional Software Engineer IV (DR) to lead, architect, and elevate our engineering team. We need a leader ... more

    5 Days Ago

  • STARLIMS

    FLORIDA, FL

    Senior Software Engineer IV

    STARLIMS | FLORIDA, FL

    Senior Software Engineer IV – STARLIMS Remote, U.S.| Full Time | R&D STARLIMS provides leading Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) solutions th... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Crane Co.

    BURBANK, IL

    Software Engineer III IV

    Crane Co. | BURBANK, IL

    Crane Aerospace and Electronics has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Software Engineer (Level III or IV) at our Burbank, CA location. About Crane: Cran... more

    6 Days Ago

  • SCC-SAIIA Construction Co

    BIRMINGHAM, AL

    Estimator

    SCC-SAIIA Construction Co | BIRMINGHAM, AL

    SCC-SAIIA Construction Co. seeks a Mid-Senior Level Estimator to develop detailed estimates for heavy civil, earthwork, landfill, and environmental remedia... more

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  • Marriott

    MARCO ISLAND, FL

    Cook IV

    Marriott | MARCO ISLAND, FL

    Marriott International, Inc. seeks a skilled Cook IV to join our Food & Beverage Operations team in Hospitality & Travel. In this advanced culinary role, y... more

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Cost of Living In District of Columbia

Cost of Living in District of Columbia is
10.7% Higher
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