As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cost Analyst I in California is $73,174 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Cost Analyst I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Cost Analyst I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $80,226 | $6,685 | $1,543 | $39 |
| Average | $73,174 | $6,098 | $1,407 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,452 | $5,704 | $1,316 | $33 |
Clayton Homes - Sacramento, CA
Luster National - Sacramento, CA
Cordoba Corporation - Sacramento, CA
Northrop Grumman - Redondo Beach, CA
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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Analyst I | 0-2 years | $73,174 |
| Cost Analyst II | 2-4 years | $91,220 |
| Cost Analyst III | 4-7 years | $104,537 |
| Cost Analyst IV | 7+ years | $133,056 |
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 Analyst Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Cost Analyst I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,845. While startup companies pay approximate $69,216.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $69,216 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $73,207 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $79,037 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $81,845 |
For Cost Analyst I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 105% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Cost Analyst positions in Software & Networking or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cost Analyst I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $109,761 | $53.0 | 50% |
| Financial Services | $102,444 | $49.0 | 40% |
| Energy & Utilities | $95,126 | $46.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $91,468 | $44.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $87,809 | $42.0 | 20% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $80,226 | $6,685 | $1,543 | $39 |
| Average | $73,174 | $6,098 | $1,407 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,452 | $5,704 | $1,316 | $33 |
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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Analyst II | $91,220 | 25% |
| Rate Analyst | $91,220 | 25% |
| Telecommunication Rates Analyst II | $91,220 | 25% |
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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