As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cost Estimator II in District of Columbia is $76,451 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Cost Estimator II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cost Estimator II'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cost Estimator II'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Estimator I | 1-3 years | $65,760 |
| Cost Estimator II | 3-5 years | $76,451 |
| Cost Estimating Supervisor | 5+ years | $97,574 |
| Cost Estimating Senior Supervisor | 5+ years | $137,438 |
| Cost Estimating Manager | 5+ years | $156,486 |
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 Estimator IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Cost Estimator II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $85,510. While startup companies pay approximate $72,316.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $72,316 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $76,485 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $82,576 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $85,510 |
For Cost Estimator II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and MFG Nondurable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Cost Estimator positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cost Estimator II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $99,386 | $48.0 | 30% |
| MFG Nondurable | $95,564 | $46.0 | 25% |
| Chemicals | $91,741 | $44.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $87,919 | $42.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $85,625 | $41.0 | 12% |
Understanding how a Cost Estimator II'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 July 01, 2026For a Cost Estimator II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Cost Estimating Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $97,574 - a projected growth of 28% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cost Estimator II job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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