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Cost Analyst I Salary in the United States

How much does a Cost Analyst I make in the United States?

As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cost Analyst I in the United States is $66,344 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $78,619
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $62,061 to $72,769
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $58,162
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View as table View as graph 25% $62,061 10% $58,162 90% $78,619 75% $72,769 $66,344 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Cost Analyst I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $72,769 $6,064 $1,399 $35
Average $66,344 $5,529 $1,276 $32
25th Percentile $62,061 $5,172 $1,193 $30
Check out Cost Analyst I Job Openings in the United States
Cost Analyst

Stantec - Cincinnati, OH

Senior Cost Financial Analyst

Veracity - Milan, OH

Cost Accountant Analyst

International Staffing Consultants - Ashland, OH

Project Cost Analyst

ManpowerGroup - New Albany, OH

Search More Cost Analyst I Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Cost Analyst I Salaries

A Cost Analyst 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Cost Analyst Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Cost Analyst 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:

  • Cost Analyst I (0-2 years): $66,344
  • Cost Analyst II (2-4 years): $82,706
  • Cost Analyst III (4-7 years): $94,778
  • Cost Analyst IV (7+ years): $120,623
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Cost Analyst I0-2 years$66,344
Cost Analyst II2-4 years$82,706
Cost Analyst III4-7 years$94,778
Cost Analyst IV7+ years$120,623
$66,344 Cost Anal...
$82,706 Cost Anal...
$94,778 Cost Anal...
$120,623 Cost Anal...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Cost Analyst Is

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: $83,680
  • San Francisco: $82,857
  • Oakland: $81,019

What Skills Can Increase a Cost Analyst I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 16.81% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Forecasting (Mentioned in 2.25% Job Postings): Forecasting is the process of making predictions of the future based on past and present data and most commonly by analysis of trends. A commonplace example might be estimation of some variable of interest at some specified future date. Prediction is a similar, but more general term. Both might refer to formal statistical methods employing time series, cross-sectional or longitudinal data, or alternatively to less formal judgmental methods. Usage can differ between areas of application: for example, in hydrology the terms "forecast" and "forecasting" are sometimes reserved for estimates of values at certain specific future times, while the term "prediction" is used for more general estimates, such as the number of times floods will occur over a long period. Risk and uncertainty are central to forecasting and prediction; it is generally considered good practice to indicate the degree of uncertainty attaching to forecasts. In any case, the data must be up to date in order for the forecast to be as accurate as possible. In some cases the data used to predict the variable of interest is itself forecasted.
  • Economics (Mentioned in 1.27% Job Postings): Economics is a social science that focuses on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, and analyzes the choices that individuals, businesses, governments, and nations make to allocate resources.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 16.81%
Forecasting 2.25%
Economics 1.27%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Cost Analyst I's salary.
  • Integrity: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Economics: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Program Management: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Integrity
$74,969
13%
Economics
$72,978
10%
Program Management
$72,978
10%
Auditing
$70,988
7%
Project Control
$70,988
7%
Customer Service
$69,661
5%
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How Education impacts a Cost Analyst I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Cost Analyst Is enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Cost Analyst I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $63,146 and $67,178).

Cost Analyst I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Cost Analyst I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 3.6%
High School 3.6%
Associates 8.4%
Bachelors 67.5%
Masters 19.3%
Doctorate 1.2%
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Cost Analyst I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Cost Analyst 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 April 01, 2026

Cost Analyst I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Cost Analyst I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Cost Analyst I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Cost Analyst II $82,706 25%
Rate Analyst $82,706 25%
Telecommunication Rates Analyst II $82,706 25%

Salary Trends for Cost Analyst I

Salaries for a Cost Analyst I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,456 in 2023 to around $64,194 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cost Analyst I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Cost Analyst I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$64,456
2024
$64,530
2025
$64,194
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $64,456
2024 $64,530
2025 $64,194
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Cost Analyst I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Cost Analyst I

Here are companies hiring for Cost Analyst I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Cost Analyst I Job

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

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FAQ about Cost Analyst I

1. Where can a Cost Analyst I earn the most?

A Cost Analyst I'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 Analyst I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Cost Analyst I is $83,680.

2. What is the highest pay for Cost Analyst I?

The highest pay for Cost Analyst I is $78,619.

3. What is the lowest pay for Cost Analyst I?

The lowest pay for Cost Analyst I is $58,162.

4. What are the responsibilities of Cost Analyst I?

Performs variance analysis between actual and standard costs to assist management in decision making or other financial initiatives. Monitors, analyzes, and reports on inventory valuation, production, and various other costs. Provides productivity analysis. May require a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Typically reports to a Manager. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

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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