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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 August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cost Estimation Analyst I in the United States is $73,983 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): $87,219
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $67,803 to $80,911
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $62,176
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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:

  • Cost Estimation Analyst I (0-2 years): $73,983
  • Cost Estimation Analyst II (2-4 years): $94,904
  • Cost Estimation Analyst III (4-7 years): $106,860
  • Cost Estimation Analyst IV (7+ years): $141,701
  • Cost Estimation Analyst V (7-10 years): $167,241
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Cost Estimation Analyst I0-2 years$73,983
Cost Estimation Analyst II2-4 years$94,904
Cost Estimation Analyst III4-7 years$106,860
Cost Estimation Analyst IV7+ years$141,701
Cost Estimation Analyst V7-10 years$167,241
View as Graph

How Do Cost Estimation Analyst Is 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 Estimation Analyst Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $81,914.
  • California: $81,603.
  • Massachusetts: $80,516.

Top Paying Cities for Cost Estimation Analyst I

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: $93,315
  • San Francisco: $92,293
  • Oakland: $90,348

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.
Skills Demand Percentage
Project Management 6.42%
Value Engineering 1.6%
AutoCAD 1.25%
See More Skills

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 $79,162
7%
Data Analysis $77,682
5%
Value Engineering $77,682
5%
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Cost Estimation Analyst I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Cost Estimation Analyst I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $82,820. While startup companies pay approximate $70,064.

Cost Estimation Analyst I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $70,064
Growth Stage 51~500 $74,100
Established 501~5000 $79,977
Enterprise 5000+ $82,820

Cost Estimation Analyst I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Cost Estimation Analyst I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Cost Estimation Analyst positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cost Estimation Analyst I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Cost Estimation Analyst I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$88,780$43.020%
Pharmaceuticals$88,780$43.020%
Financial Services$85,080$41.015%
Insurance$85,080$41.015%
Software & Networking$85,080$41.015%

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 August 01, 2026
$67,803
Average $73,983/year
$80,911
$5,650
Average $6,165/month
$6,743
$1,304
Average $1,423/week
$1,556
$33
Average $36/hour
$39
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $80,911 $6,743 $1,556 $39
Average $73,983 $6,165 $1,423 $36
25th Percentile $67,803 $5,650 $1,304 $33

Cost Estimation Analyst I Salary Growth & Career Path

Cost Estimation Analyst I

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Advancement

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 $94,904 - a projected growth of 28% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Cost Estimation Analyst I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

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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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 $93,315.

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

The highest pay for Cost Estimation Analyst I is $87,219.

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

The lowest pay for Cost Estimation Analyst I is $62,176.

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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Cost Estimation Analyst I?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Cost Estimation Analyst I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

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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