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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Estimator in Montana is $85,501 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Lead Estimator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Estimator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $92,179 | $7,682 | $1,773 | $44 |
| Average | $85,501 | $7,125 | $1,644 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,093 | $6,174 | $1,425 | $36 |
Rachel Contracting - SAINT MICHAEL, MN
A.F.P. Corporation - OMAHA, NE
Drexel Building Supply - CAMPBELLSPORT, WI
Coastal Tide Construction - RUBONIA, FL
A Lead Estimator'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 Lead Estimator'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Cost Esti... Level Lead Estimator | $136,683 |
| Cost Esti... Level Lead Estimator | $161,318 |
| Lead Esti... Level Lead Estimator | $85,010 |
| Cost Esti... Level Lead Estimator | $119,751 |
| Cost Esti... Level Lead Estimator | $136,352 |
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 Lead Estimators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Lead Estimator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 63% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Lead Estimator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Estimator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $102,601 | $49.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $100,891 | $49.0 | 18% |
| Biotechnology | $98,326 | $47.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $95,761 | $46.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $94,051 | $45.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Lead Estimator'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $92,179 | $7,682 | $1,773 | $44 |
| Average | $85,501 | $7,125 | $1,644 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,093 | $6,174 | $1,425 | $36 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Estimator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Heaney General Contracting, Inc.
YPSILANTI, MI
Heaney General Contracting, Inc. | YPSILANTI, MI
We are seeking an experienced Commercial (General Contracting) Construction Estimator to prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates for commercial con... more
5 Days Ago
Capital Disaster Solutions
HOUSTON, TX
Capital Disaster Solutions | HOUSTON, TX
Capital Disaster Solutions is seeking a highly skilled Project Director / Xactimate Estimator to lead project costing, oversee mitigation and reconstructio... more
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ITL LLC
HAMPTON CITY, VA
ITL LLC | HAMPTON CITY, VA
ITL LLC is hiring an experienced manufacturing professional to support estimating and planning for complex defense, maritime, machining, engineering, and s... more
7 Days Ago
Aramark
POST FALLS, ID
Cargill
SWANTON, VT
Cargill | SWANTON, VT
Cargill is seeking a Maintenance Supervisor to lead facilities, maintenance, and asset management in our manufacturing operation. You will oversee a team o... more
5 Days Ago
Aramark
BUFFALO, WV
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