As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cost Engineer and Estimator V in South Carolina is $156,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $75.
However, a Cost Engineer and Estimator V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cost Engineer and Estimator V'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 V'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 III | 4-7 years | $100,128 |
| Cost Engineer and Estimator IV | 7+ years | $132,774 |
| Cost Engineer and Estimator V | 7-10 years | $156,705 |
| Project Cost Estimator Lead | 10+ years | $82,579 |
| Technical Project Estimating Senior Supervisor | 10+ years | $116,326 |
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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Cost Engineer and Estimator V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $175,529. While startup companies pay approximate $148,493.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $148,493 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $157,049 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $169,504 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $175,529 |
For Cost Engineer and Estimator V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Cost Engineer and Estimator positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cost Engineer and Estimator V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $188,160 | $90.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $188,160 | $90.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $188,160 | $90.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $188,160 | $90.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $188,160 | $90.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Cost Engineer and Estimator V'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 V, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Project Cost Estimator Lead role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $82,580 - a projected growth of -47% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cost Engineer and Estimator V job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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