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Cost Estimator II Salary in the United States

How much does a Cost Estimator II make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cost Estimator II in the United States is $69,058 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $81,827
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $62,455 to $75,742
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $56,443
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Key Factors That Influence Cost Estimator II Salaries

A Cost Estimator II'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 Estimator II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Cost Estimator II'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 Estimator I (1-3 years): $59,390
  • Cost Estimator II (3-5 years): $69,058
  • Cost Estimating Supervisor (5+ years): $88,138
  • Cost Estimating Senior Supervisor (5+ years): $124,180
  • Cost Estimating Manager (5+ years): $141,404
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Cost Estimator I1-3 years$59,390
Cost Estimator II3-5 years$69,058
Cost Estimating Supervisor5+ years$88,138
Cost Estimating Senior Supervisor5+ years$124,180
Cost Estimating Manager5+ years$141,404
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How Do Cost Estimator II Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Estimator IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $76,461.
  • California: $76,171.
  • Massachusetts: $75,156.

Top Paying Cities for Cost Estimator IIs

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:

  • San Jose: $87,103
  • San Francisco: $86,149
  • Oakland: $84,334

Cost Estimator II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Cost Estimator II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $77,096. While startup companies pay approximate $65,281.

Cost Estimator II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $65,281
Growth Stage 51~500 $69,026
Established 501~5000 $74,442
Enterprise 5000+ $77,096

Cost Estimator II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Cost Estimator II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and MFG Nondurable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Cost Estimator positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cost Estimator II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Cost Estimator II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$89,775$43.030%
MFG Nondurable$86,322$42.025%
Chemicals$82,870$40.020%
Healthcare$79,417$38.015%
Aerospace & Defense$77,345$37.012%

Cost Estimator II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Cost Estimator II'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 October 01, 2026
$62,455
Average $69,058/year
$75,742
$5,205
Average $5,755/month
$6,312
$1,201
Average $1,328/week
$1,457
$30
Average $33/hour
$36
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $75,742 $6,312 $1,457 $36
Average $69,058 $5,755 $1,328 $33
25th Percentile $62,455 $5,205 $1,201 $30

Cost Estimator II Salary Growth & Career Path

Cost Estimator II

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Advancement

For a Cost Estimator II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Cost Estimating Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $88,138 - a projected growth of 28% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Cost Estimator II

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Cost Estimator II

Here are companies hiring for Cost Estimator II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Cost Estimator II

1. Where can a Cost Estimator II earn the most?

A Cost Estimator II's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Cost Estimator II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Cost Estimator II is $87,103.

2. What is the highest pay for Cost Estimator II?

The highest pay for Cost Estimator II is $81,827.

3. What is the lowest pay for Cost Estimator II?

The lowest pay for Cost Estimator II is $56,443.

4. What are the responsibilities of Cost Estimator II?

Develops cost estimates for projects based on work scope, specifications, and contract proposals using applicable estimating methodologies and tools. Analyzes project requirements, plans, and specifications to identify labor, material, equipment, and service requirements. Uses benchmark data, trends, prior estimates, and historical pricing schedules to generate detailed cost estimates that consist of itemized lists of expenses, labor hours, material quantities, and potential cost variations. Depending on the complexity and type of project, may use different estimating methods, mathematical models, or specialized estimating software tools to generate estimates. Typically requires an associate degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Cost Estimator II?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Cost Estimator II roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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