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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Cost Estimator in Washington is $95,888 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Senior Cost Estimator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Senior Cost Estimator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $103,401 | $8,617 | $1,988 | $50 |
| Average | $95,888 | $7,991 | $1,844 | $46 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,199 | $6,767 | $1,562 | $39 |
CMTS LLC - Seattle, WA
Jacobs Solutions - Bellevue, WA
ASR INTERNATIONAL - Silverdale, WA
Janicki Industries, Inc. - Hamilton, WA
A Senior Cost 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 Senior Cost 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 Senior Cost Estimator | $155,813 |
| Cost Esti... Level Senior Cost Estimator | $183,896 |
| Senior Co... Level Senior Cost Estimator | $96,908 |
| Cost Esti... Level Senior Cost Estimator | $136,511 |
| Cost Esti... Level Senior Cost Estimator | $155,436 |
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 Senior Cost 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 Senior Cost 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, Senior Cost Estimator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Senior Cost Estimator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $115,065 | $55.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $113,148 | $54.0 | 18% |
| Biotechnology | $110,271 | $53.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $107,394 | $52.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $105,477 | $51.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Senior Cost 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 | $103,401 | $8,617 | $1,988 | $50 |
| Average | $95,888 | $7,991 | $1,844 | $46 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,199 | $6,767 | $1,562 | $39 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Senior Cost Estimator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Talascend
Bellevue, WA
Talascend | Bellevue, WA
Talascend is currently seeking a Cost Estimator for a contract opportunity located in Bellevue, WA-hybrid.The Cost Estimator will support the cost tracking... more
5 Days Ago
JLM Strategic Talent Partners
Tacoma, WA
JLM Strategic Talent Partners | Tacoma, WA
Jlm Strategic Talent PartnersWe partner with national and international prime contractors to provide them with qualified talent they can trust. We accompli... more
5 Days Ago
Jimale Technical Services (JTS)
Seattle, WA
Jimale Technical Services (JTS) | Seattle, WA
Job Description. Job Description. PROJECT CONTROLS/COST. ESTIMATOR/SCHEDULER. Hire Full-time, Part Time or On-Call position. This is your next opportunity ... more
4 Days Ago
The Building People
Seattle, WA
The Building People | Seattle, WA
Job Description. Job Description. Please note that this position is for an upcoming position. We are, however, accepting applications for this anticipated ... more
2 Days Ago
ClearanceJobs
Seattle, WA
ClearanceJobs | Seattle, WA
Deferred Maintenance & Repair Cost EstimatorThe Building People delivers integrated solutions that connect technology, buildings, and people to optimize re... more
5 Days Ago
FruitSmart Inc
Grandview, WA
FruitSmart Inc | Grandview, WA
Job Description. Job Description. Universal Ingredients. Innovative Plant-Based Solutions for Global Industries. Universal Ingredients is a global supplier... more
1 Day Ago
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