How much does a Cost Estimator I make in the United States? The average Cost Estimator I salary in the United States is $59,366 as of March 26, 2024, but the range typically falls between $51,516 and $67,938. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. 

Cost Estimator I Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Cost Estimator I Salary $44,368 US March 26, 2024
25th Percentile Cost Estimator I Salary $51,516 US March 26, 2024
50th Percentile Cost Estimator I Salary $59,366 US March 26, 2024
75th Percentile Cost Estimator I Salary $67,938 US March 26, 2024
90th Percentile Cost Estimator I Salary $75,743 US March 26, 2024
25% $51,516 10% $44,368 90% $75,743 75% $67,938 $59,366 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Job Description for Cost Estimator I

Cost Estimator I develops cost estimates for projects based on work scope, specifications, and contract proposals using applicable estimating methodologies and tools. Analyzes project requirements, plans, and specifications to identify labor, material, equipment, and service requirements. Being a Cost Estimator I uses benchmark data, trends, prior estimates, and historical pricing schedules to generate detailed cost estimates that consist of itemized lists of expenses, labor hours, material quantities, and potential cost variations. Depending on the complexity and type of project, may use different estimating methods, mathematical models, or specialized estimating software tools to generate estimates. Additionally, Cost Estimator I typically requires an associate degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. The Cost Estimator I works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be a Cost Estimator I typically requires 1-3 years of related experience. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)... View full job description

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Career Path for Cost Estimator I

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Cost Estimator I, the upper level is Cost Estimator II and then progresses to Cost Estimating Team Leader.

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Cost Estimator I salary varies from city to city. Compared with national average salary of Cost Estimator I, the highest Cost Estimator I salary is in San Francisco, CA, where the Cost Estimator I salary is 25.0% above. The lowest Cost Estimator I salary is in Miami, FL, where the Cost Estimator I salary is 3.5% lower than national average salary.

City, State Compared to national average
City, State San Francisco, CA Compared to national average
+ 25.0%
City, State Washington, DC Compared to national average
+ 11.3%
City, State Miami, FL Compared to national average
-3.5%
City, State Chicago, IL Compared to national average
+ 4.9%
City, State Boston, MA Compared to national average
+ 12.1%
City, State New York, NY Compared to national average
+ 16.8%
City, State Dallas, TX Compared to national average
-1.3%

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Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
51516
67938
59366

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
52082
69799
60247
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Cost Estimator I in the United States. The base salary for Cost Estimator I ranges from $51,516 to $67,938 with the average base salary of $59,366. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $52,082 to $69,799 with the average total cash compensation of $60,247.
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51516
67938

 

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Skills associated with Cost Estimator I: Requirements Analysis, ERP Systems, Spreadsheet advanced, Specification Review ...More

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Cost Estimator I Salary in United States
Cost Estimator I Salary Graph, Regional Distribution and Summary