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Cost Estimation Analyst I Salary in the United States

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

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cost Estimation Analyst I in the United States is $73,969 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $87,073
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $67,727 to $80,828
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $62,044
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View as table View as graph 25% $67,727 10% $62,044 90% $87,073 75% $80,828 $73,969 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Cost Estimation Analyst I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $80,828 $6,736 $1,554 $39
Average $73,969 $6,164 $1,422 $36
25th Percentile $67,727 $5,644 $1,302 $33
Check out Cost Estimation Analyst I Job Openings in the United States
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Key Factors That Influence Cost Estimation Analyst I Salaries

A Cost Estimation 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.

How Experience Level Affects Cost Estimation Analyst I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Cost Estimation 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $73,503
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $74,174
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $75,709
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $76,016
  • Expert (over 8 years): $76,221
Levels Salary
Entry Level Cost Estimation Analyst I$73,503
Intermediate Level Cost Estimation Analyst I$74,174
Senior Level Cost Estimation Analyst I$75,709
Specialist Level Cost Estimation Analyst I$76,016
Expert Level Cost Estimation Analyst I$76,221
$73,503 0 yr
$74,174 < 2 yrs
$75,709 2-4 yrs
$76,016 5-8 yrs
$76,221 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Cost Estimation 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: $93,297
  • San Francisco: $92,380
  • Oakland: $90,331

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Project Management (Mentioned in 6.42% Job Postings): Project management is the application of processes, methods, skills, knowledge and experience to achieve specific project objectives according to the project acceptance criteria within agreed parameters. Project management has final deliverables that are constrained to a finite timescale and budget.
  • Value Engineering (Mentioned in 1.6% Job Postings): Value engineering (VE) is a systematic method to improve the "value" of goods or products and services by using an examination of function. Value, as defined, is the ratio of function to cost. Value can therefore be manipulated by either improving the function or reducing the cost. It is a primary tenet of value engineering that basic functions be preserved and not be reduced as a consequence of pursuing value improvements. The term "value management" is sometimes used as a synonym of "value engineering", and both promote the planning and delivery of projects with improved performance The reasoning behind value engineering is as follows: if marketers expect a product to become practically or stylistically obsolete within a specific length of time, they can design it to only last for that specific lifetime. The products could be built with higher-grade components, but with value engineering they are not because this would impose an unnecessary cost on the manufacturer, and to a limited extent also an increased cost on the purchaser. Value engineering will reduce these costs. A company will typically use the least expensive components that satisfy the product's lifetime projections.
  • AutoCAD (Mentioned in 1.25% Job Postings): AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design and drafting software application. Developed and marketed by Autodesk, AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Project Management 6.42%
Value Engineering 1.6%
AutoCAD 1.25%
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 Estimation Analyst I's salary.
  • Budgeting: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Data Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Value Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Budgeting
$79,147
7%
Data Analysis
$77,667
5%
Value Engineering
$77,667
5%
Leadership
$76,928
4%
Commitment
$76,928
4%
Scheduling
$76,188
3%
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Cost Estimation Analyst I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Cost Estimation 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 January 01, 2026

Cost Estimation Analyst I Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Cost Estimation Analyst I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Cost Estimation Analyst II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $94,828 - a projected growth of 28% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Cost Estimation Analyst I

Salaries for a Cost Estimation Analyst I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $70,480 in 2023 to around $69,493 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cost Estimation Analyst I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Cost Estimation Analyst I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$70,480
2024
$69,705
2025
$69,493
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $70,480
2024 $69,705
2025 $69,493
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Cost Estimation Analyst I

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

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

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cost Estimation 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 Estimation Analyst I

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

A Cost Estimation 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 Estimation Analyst I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Cost Estimation Analyst I is $93,297.

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

The highest pay for Cost Estimation Analyst I is $87,073.

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

The lowest pay for Cost Estimation Analyst I is $62,044.

4. What are the responsibilities of Cost Estimation Analyst I?

Estimates costs for construction, engineering, manufacturing, or other implementation projects based on an analysis of project technical requirements. Collects data and analyzes all project costs, including raw materials, labor, equipment and tooling to ensure estimates are accurate. Identifies and quantifies potential cost uncertainties to ensure costing models capture the full range of potential costs. Updates costs as necessary based on new information and project scope changes. Coordinates with project management, engineering, procurement and other project stakeholders. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. 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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