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Cost Engineer V Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Cost Engineer V make in District of Columbia?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cost Engineer V in District of Columbia is $171,979 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $83.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $182,689
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $163,293 to $177,585
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $155,385
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Cost Engineer V Salaries

A Cost Engineer V'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 Engineer V Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Cost Engineer V'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 Engineer III (4-7 years): $120,243
  • Cost Engineer IV (7+ years): $145,949
  • Cost Engineer V (7-10 years): $171,979
  • Project Cost Control Team Leader (10+ years): $128,599
  • Project Controls Manager (10+ years): $168,346
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Cost Engineer III4-7 years$120,243
Cost Engineer IV7+ years$145,949
Cost Engineer V7-10 years$171,979
Project Cost Control Team Leader10+ years$128,599
Project Controls Manager10+ years$168,346
View as Graph

How Do Cost Engineer Vs 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 Engineer Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $171,979.
  • California: $171,327.
  • Massachusetts: $169,043.

Top Paying Cities for Cost Engineer V

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:

  • Parcel Return Service: $171,046
  • Washington: $171,047
  • Naval Anacost Annex: $171,039

Cost Engineer V Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Cost Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $192,521. While startup companies pay approximate $162,868.

Cost Engineer V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $162,868
Growth Stage 51~500 $172,252
Established 501~5000 $185,913
Enterprise 5000+ $192,521

Cost Engineer V Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Cost Engineer V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 10% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 5% above the average. In contrast, Cost Engineer positions in Transportation or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cost Engineer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Cost Engineer V

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$163,094$78.05%
Business Services$163,094$78.05%
Construction$163,094$78.05%
Energy & Utilities$163,094$78.05%
Healthcare$163,094$78.05%

Cost Engineer V Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Cost Engineer V'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, 2026
$163,293
Average $171,979/year
$177,585
$13,608
Average $14,332/month
$14,799
$3,140
Average $3,307/week
$3,415
$79
Average $83/hour
$85
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $177,585 $14,799 $3,415 $85
Average $171,979 $14,332 $3,307 $83
25th Percentile $163,293 $13,608 $3,140 $79

Cost Engineer V Salary Growth & Career Path

Cost Engineer V

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Cost Engineer V, 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. $145,923 -15%
Manufacturing Project Management Manager $148,204 -14%
Engineering Program Manager VI $221,091 29%
Project Management Supervisor $115,458 -33%

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Cost of Living In District of Columbia

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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