As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Cost Estimator Lead in District of Columbia is $97,580 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Project Cost Estimator Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Project Cost Estimator Lead'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 Project Cost Estimator Lead'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 IV | 7+ years | $156,891 |
| Cost Engineer and Estimator V | 7-10 years | $185,169 |
| Project Cost Estimator Lead | 10+ years | $97,579 |
| Technical Project Estimating Senior Supervisor | 10+ years | $137,456 |
| Technical Project Estimating Manager | 10+ years | $156,512 |
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 Project Cost Estimator Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Project Cost Estimator Lead salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $109,235. While startup companies pay approximate $92,410.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $92,410 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $97,735 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $105,486 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $109,235 |
For Project Cost Estimator Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 63% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Project Cost Estimator Lead positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Project Cost Estimator Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $117,096 | $56.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $115,144 | $55.0 | 18% |
| Biotechnology | $112,217 | $54.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $109,290 | $53.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $107,338 | $52.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Project Cost Estimator Lead'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 Project Cost Estimator Lead, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Technical Project Estimating Senior Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $137,500 - a projected growth of 41% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Project Cost Estimator Lead job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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