How much does a cost estimator make?
a year · about $38 an hour
A typical cost estimator in the United States makes $78,740 a year, about $38 an hour, about 1.5× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They read blueprints and old project records, then use software to estimate a job’s workers, materials, time, and costs. They check details with architects or contractors and may visit a building site or factory.
Did you know? Before a building starts, a cost estimator may budget for wasted materials, bad weather, and shipping delays—all things that can make the job cost more.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $48,530 and $130,820How do you become one?
U.S. estimators usually earn a related bachelor’s degree and learn on the job; construction experience can substitute. Many start in their early 20s; no standard entry exam is listed, apprenticeships may exist, and some states require a license.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, people with more experience or education may earn more, and pay also differs by location and industry. Specialties, employer type, and extra hours can affect total earnings; optional certificates can show added skills, but not every estimator needs one.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Colorado ($86,940), lowest in Arkansas ($61,470).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $48,530 | $78,740 | $130,820 | about 224,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $86,940 | about 6,000 |
| Washington | $86,070 | about 7,000 |
| California | $85,460 | about 26,000 |
| Illinois | $82,750 | about 6,000 |
| Nevada | $82,200 | about 2,000 |
Official definition: Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/cost-estimators.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1051.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/earnings.htm
- www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Careers/Occupations/occupation-profile.aspx?keywor
- web.aacei.org/certification
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY