Salary AI Book a Demo
upper level job

Cost Estimator I Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cost Estimator I in the United States is $59,392 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $68,423
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,744 to $64,119
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,781
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Cost Estimator I Salaries

A Cost Estimator 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 Estimator I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Cost Estimator 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 Estimator I (1-3 years): $59,392
  • Cost Estimator II (3-5 years): $69,052
  • Cost Estimating Supervisor (5+ years): $88,131
  • Cost Estimating Senior Supervisor (5+ years): $124,147
  • Cost Estimating Manager (5+ years): $141,358
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Cost Estimator I1-3 years$59,392
Cost Estimator II3-5 years$69,052
Cost Estimating Supervisor5+ years$88,131
Cost Estimating Senior Supervisor5+ years$124,147
Cost Estimating Manager5+ years$141,358
View as Graph

How Do Cost Estimator 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 Estimator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $65,759.
  • California: $65,509.
  • Massachusetts: $64,636.

Top Paying Cities for Cost Estimator 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: $74,911
  • San Francisco: $74,091
  • Oakland: $72,530

Cost Estimator I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Cost Estimator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $66,486. While startup companies pay approximate $56,246.

Cost Estimator I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $56,246
Growth Stage 51~500 $59,486
Established 501~5000 $64,204
Enterprise 5000+ $66,486

Cost Estimator I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Cost Estimator I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Cost Estimator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cost Estimator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Cost Estimator I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$77,210$37.030%
Financial Services$74,240$36.025%
Aerospace & Defense$66,519$32.012%

Cost Estimator I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Cost Estimator 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
$51,744
Average $59,392/year
$64,119
$4,312
Average $4,949/month
$5,343
$995
Average $1,142/week
$1,233
$25
Average $29/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $64,119 $5,343 $1,233 $31
Average $59,392 $4,949 $1,142 $29
25th Percentile $51,744 $4,312 $995 $25

Cost Estimator I Salary Growth & Career Path

Cost Estimator I

Next Role

Advancement

For a Cost Estimator I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Cost Estimator II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $69,052 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Cost Estimator I

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

Common company salaries for Cost Estimator I

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

Find Your Next Cost Estimator I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cost Estimator I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Cost Estimator I

1. Where can a Cost Estimator I earn the most?

A Cost Estimator 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 Estimator I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Cost Estimator I is $74,911.

2. What is the highest pay for Cost Estimator I?

The highest pay for Cost Estimator I is $68,423.

3. What is the lowest pay for Cost Estimator I?

The lowest pay for Cost Estimator I is $44,781.

4. What are the responsibilities of 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. 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. Typically requires an associate degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.

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

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Cost Estimator I roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst