As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Estimating Specialist I in Montana is $56,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, an Estimating Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Estimating Specialist I'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 an Estimating Specialist I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Estimating Specialist I | 1-3 years | $56,072 |
| Estimating Specialist II | 3-5 years | $65,192 |
| Project Cost Estimator Lead | 5+ years | $83,204 |
| Technical Project Estimating Senior Supervisor | 5+ years | $117,207 |
| Technical Project Estimating Manager | 5+ years | $133,456 |
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 Estimating Specialist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Estimating Specialist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $62,801. While startup companies pay approximate $53,128.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $53,128 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $56,189 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $60,645 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $62,801 |
For Estimating Specialist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Estimating Specialist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Estimating Specialist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $72,930 | $35.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $70,125 | $34.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $62,832 | $30.0 | 12% |
Understanding how an Estimating Specialist I'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 an Estimating Specialist I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Estimating Specialist II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $65,200 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Estimating Specialist I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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