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Average Cost Estimators Salary in Alabama

Cost Estimators in Alabama earn an average annual salary of $74,390, which is below the national average of $83,140. This difference can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the state's overall economic landscape and the specific demand for cost estimation services within Alabama's industries. The local cost of living also plays a significant role in shaping compensation levels.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $74,390 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $118,640.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,460 Cost Estimators, Alabama presents a moderately sized market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests that the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally concentrated demand. The presence of over two thousand professionals signifies a consistent need for their expertise across various sectors within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$74,390

The average Cost Estimators in Alabama earns-10.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$35.8

Weekly

$1,431

Monthly

$6,199

Cost Estimators Salary Distribution in Alabama

Salary progression for Cost Estimators in Alabama typically follows a clear path from entry-level to senior positions. Junior estimators might start in the lower percentiles, earning closer to $50,000-$60,000, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized knowledge can command salaries in the upper percentiles, potentially exceeding $90,000-$100,000 annually. These percentile gaps clearly signify career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$43,090$20.7
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$55,793$26.8
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$68,030$32.7
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$92,988$44.7
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$118,640$57

Detailed Cost Estimators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$74,390

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$84,438

Adjusted for COL (88.1)

The nominal average salary of $74,390 in Alabama is significantly enhanced by the local Cost of Living Index of 88.1, which is 11.9% lower than the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Alabama-based Cost Estimator's salary is effectively higher than the raw number suggests, allowing their earnings to stretch further in terms of housing, goods, and services compared to higher cost-of-living areas.

Job Market Context

2,460

Total Jobs

1.176

Per 1K Jobs

0.83

Location Quotient

Below Average

Alabama has 0.83x the national average concentration of Cost Estimators jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.83 indicates that Cost Estimators are slightly less concentrated in Alabama compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and active, the market is not saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals. It implies a balanced job market where demand is steady but not overwhelmingly competitive, providing a reasonable environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cost Estimators

CitySalaryDist.
Montgomery, AL Cost Estimators Salary$69,280↓ 7%44 mi
Birmingham, AL Cost Estimators Salary$76,980↑ 3%50 mi
Tuscaloosa, AL Cost Estimators Salary$76,200↑ 2%52 mi
Auburn-Opelika, AL Cost Estimators Salary$69,270↓ 7%77 mi
Anniston-Oxford, AL Cost Estimators Salary$76,340↑ 3%82 mi

Comparing salaries near Alabama

Hiring Cost Estimatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cost Estimators make in Alabama?

The median annual salary for a Cost Estimators in Alabama is $74,390. This typically ranges from $43,090 for entry-level positions to $118,640 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Alabama is 10.5% lower than the national median of $83,140.

Is Alabama a lucrative place for Cost Estimators?

No, but cost-effective.While the average salary of $74,390 is below the national average, Alabama's lower cost of living means your earnings have greater purchasing power. This makes it a financially sensible location rather than a high-paying one.

Is Alabama a good place to live for Cost Estimators?

With a Cost of Living Index of 88.1 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Alabama?

Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($69,280) and Birmingham, AL.

What is the average salary for a Cost Estimator in Alabama?

The average annual salary for a Cost Estimator in Alabama is $74,390.

How does Alabama's cost of living compare to the national average?

Alabama's cost of living is 11.9% lower than the national average, with an index of 88.1 compared to the national benchmark of 100.

How many Cost Estimators are there in Alabama?

There are approximately 2,460 Cost Estimators working in Alabama.

Is the demand for Cost Estimators high in Alabama?

The demand is moderate, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.83, suggesting a concentration slightly below the national average but a stable workforce size.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,460 employees in the Alabama area with a job density of 1.176 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cost Estimators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alabama