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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Construction Cost Estimator in Virginia is $87,529 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Construction Cost Estimator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Construction Cost Estimator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $94,365 | $7,864 | $1,815 | $45 |
| Average | $87,529 | $7,294 | $1,683 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,850 | $6,321 | $1,459 | $36 |
CES Consulting - Warrenton, VA
CES Consulting - Sterling, VA
GSI Service Group, Inc. - Norfolk, VA
Parsons Company - Norfolk, VA
A Construction 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 Construction 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 Construction Cost Estimator | $139,925 |
| Cost Esti... Level Construction Cost Estimator | $165,145 |
| Construct... Level Construction Cost Estimator | $87,026 |
| Cost Esti... Level Construction Cost Estimator | $122,591 |
| Cost Esti... Level Construction Cost Estimator | $139,586 |
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 Construction 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 Construction 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, Construction Cost Estimator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Construction Cost Estimator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $105,035 | $50.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $103,284 | $50.0 | 18% |
| Biotechnology | $100,658 | $48.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $98,032 | $47.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $96,282 | $46.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Construction 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 | $94,365 | $7,864 | $1,815 | $45 |
| Average | $87,529 | $7,294 | $1,683 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,850 | $6,321 | $1,459 | $36 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Construction Cost Estimator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
V2X
Springfield, VA
V2X | Springfield, VA
Cost EstimatorWorking across the globe, V2X builds smart solutions designed to integrate physical and digital infrastructure from base to battlefield. We b... more
7 Days Ago
AE Works
Arlington, VA
AE Works | Arlington, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. JOIN OUR TEAM. Our team is redefining building design and engineering. AE Works is an award-winning firm ran... more
8 Days Ago
DNI (Delaware Nation Industries)
Arlington, VA
DNI (Delaware Nation Industries) | Arlington, VA
Job Description. Job Description. The Program Development, Coordination, and Support Directorate is responsible for the design, coordination, and managemen... more
8 Days Ago
System One
Chantilly, VA
System One | Chantilly, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title: Cost Estimator. REQUIRED. ACTIVE TOP SECRET. Responsibilities. Assist with the development and refinement of G... more
6 Days Ago
Dream Electric LLC
Richmond, VA
Dream Electric LLC | Richmond, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Summary. Dream Electric is looking to hire an experienced Electrical Estimator to join our team. The Electrical Estim... more
5 Days Ago
Christopher O'Keeffe CPA LLC
Arlington, VA
Christopher O'Keeffe CPA LLC | Arlington, VA
Cost Estimator/Budget SME. O'KEEFFECPA & Associates is seeking a Cost Estimator/Budget SME to join a high performing team in support of a large DoD (Army) ... more
6 Days Ago
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