As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cost Estimating Manager in the United States is $141,199 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.
However, a Cost Estimating Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cost Estimating Manager'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 Estimating Manager'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Cost Estimating Manager | $136,192 |
| Intermediate Level Cost Estimating Manager | $136,792 |
| Senior Level Cost Estimating Manager | $138,795 |
| Specialist Level Cost Estimating Manager | $141,199 |
| Expert Level Cost Estimating Manager | $144,690 |
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 Estimating Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 11.88% |
| Installation | 2.57% |
| Plumbing | 0.97% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coordination
|
$149,671 |
6%
|
|
Field Operations
|
$149,671 |
6%
|
|
Interpersonal Communication
|
$149,671 |
6%
|
|
Business Development
|
$149,671 |
6%
|
|
Quotations
|
$146,847 |
4%
|
|
Construction Management
|
$146,847 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Cost Estimating Managers enter the field with a Associate'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 Estimating Manager with a Associate's Degree is between $141,181 and $153,437).
Cost Estimating Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.3% |
| High School | 33.3% |
| Associates | 18.9% |
| Bachelors | 34.8% |
| Masters | 9.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a Cost Estimating Manager'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 January 01, 2026For a Cost Estimating Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Cost Estimating Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $176,131 - a projected growth of 25% over your current level.
Salaries for a Cost Estimating Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $116,907 in 2023 to around $116,997 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cost Estimating Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $116,907 |
| 2024 | $117,744 |
| 2025 | $116,997 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Cost Estimating Manager'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 Estimating Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Cost Estimating Manager is $178,094.
The highest pay for Cost Estimating Manager is $167,487.
The lowest pay for Cost Estimating Manager is $115,561.
Manages the estimating function and develops standards, procedures, tools, and methodologies to produce cost estimates for technical projects based on work scope, specifications, and proposal or contract requirements. Establishes processes to perform analysis of project requirements, plans, and specifications to identify labor, material, equipment, and service requirements. Incorporates benchmark data, trends, and historical pricing to generate detailed cost estimates that consist of itemized lists of expenses, labor hours, material quantities, and potential cost variations. Implements a workflow and system for scheduling and processing estimate requests and communicating with stakeholders. Depending on the complexity and type of project, may use different estimating methods, mathematical models, or specialized estimating software tools to generate estimates. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
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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