As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cost Engineer IV in the United States is $131,818 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.
However, a Cost Engineer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cost Engineer IV'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cost Engineer IV'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 II | 2-4 years | $86,388 |
| Cost Engineer III | 4-7 years | $108,607 |
| Cost Engineer IV | 7+ years | $131,818 |
| Cost Engineer V | 7-10 years | $155,328 |
| Project Cost Control Team Leader | 10+ years | $116,143 |
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 Engineer IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.58% |
| Construction Accounting | 2.97% |
| KPI | 1.98% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Injection Molding
|
$160,818 |
22%
|
|
Cost Estimation
|
$150,273 |
14%
|
|
CAD
|
$148,954 |
13%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$143,682 |
9%
|
|
Consulting
|
$141,045 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$141,045 |
7%
|
Cost Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $147,437. While startup companies pay approximate $124,688.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $124,688 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $131,877 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $142,379 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $147,437 |
For Cost Engineer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Cost Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cost Engineer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $164,772 | $79.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $151,591 | $73.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $147,636 | $71.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $145,000 | $70.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $145,000 | $70.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Cost Engineer IVs 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 Engineer IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $121,553 and $131,166).
Cost Engineer IV Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 11.6% |
| High School | 11.6% |
| Associates | 4.7% |
| Bachelors | 48.8% |
| Masters | 34.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Cost Engineer IV'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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Cost Engineer IV, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| EHR Project Manager, Sr. | $131,796 | 0% |
| Manufacturing Project Manager V | $152,602 | 16% |
| Engineering Program Manager V | $151,503 | 15% |
| Project Manager V | $154,007 | 17% |
Salaries for a Cost Engineer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $124,238 in 2023 to around $121,836 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cost Engineer IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $124,238 |
| 2024 | $123,648 |
| 2025 | $121,836 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Cost Engineer IV'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 Engineer IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Cost Engineer IV is $166,262.
The highest pay for Cost Engineer IV is $146,481.
The lowest pay for Cost Engineer IV is $112,339.
Develops and implements cost control procedures, documents, and tools to support and enhance project budget management. Collects and coordinates procurement and other cost information used to develop cost forecasting, cost control strategies, and project risk analysis. Performs data analysis to identify project trends and budget deviations and highlight cost underruns and overruns. Has extensive technical knowledge of processes and materials specific to the type of project. Experienced with the cost-estimating methods best suited to the nature of the project. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Cost Engineer IV roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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.)
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