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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Estimator in California is $95,707 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Mechanical Estimator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Mechanical Estimator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $103,182 | $8,598 | $1,984 | $50 |
| Average | $95,707 | $7,976 | $1,841 | $46 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,937 | $6,911 | $1,595 | $40 |
RimePro Inc - La Mesa, CA
RimePro Inc - Costa Mesa, CA
RimePro Inc - Sacramento, CA
Champion Industrial Contractors - Modesto, CA
A Mechanical 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 Mechanical 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 Mechanical Estimator | $152,998 |
| Cost Esti... Level Mechanical Estimator | $180,575 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Estimator | $95,157 |
| Cost Esti... Level Mechanical Estimator | $134,045 |
| Cost Esti... Level Mechanical Estimator | $152,628 |
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 Mechanical 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 Mechanical 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, Mechanical Estimator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Estimator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $114,848 | $55.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $112,934 | $54.0 | 18% |
| Biotechnology | $110,063 | $53.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $107,192 | $52.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $105,278 | $51.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Mechanical 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 | $103,182 | $8,598 | $1,984 | $50 |
| Average | $95,707 | $7,976 | $1,841 | $46 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,937 | $6,911 | $1,595 | $40 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Mechanical Estimator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
RimePro Inc
Norco, CA
RimePro Inc | Norco, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Position Overview. The Mechanical Estimator – HVAC is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates f... more
6 Days Ago
Turner & Townsend
San Francisco, CA
Turner & Townsend | San Francisco, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Company Description. Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 ... more
6 Days Ago
Paragon Mechanical
Morgan Hill, CA
Paragon Mechanical | Morgan Hill, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. 401(k). Company parties. Competitive salary. Dental insurance. Health insurance. Opportunity for advancement. P... more
7 Days Ago
Tutor Perini
Menlo Park, CA
Tutor Perini | Menlo Park, CA
Senior Mechanical Estimator. Rudolph & Sletten, a Tutor Perini Company, is seeking to hire a Senior Mechanical Estimator to join our office in Menlo Park, ... more
9 Days Ago
EMCOR Group
Fresno, CA
EMCOR Group | Fresno, CA
Senior Estimator. The Senior Estimator will provide technical assistance in support of the sales department. Provide technical support to the sales team th... more
9 Days Ago
Jacobs Solutions
Sacramento, CA
Jacobs Solutions | Sacramento, CA
Senior Process Mechanical EstimatorAt Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving citie... more
7 Days Ago
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