Average Cost Estimators Salary in Arkansas
Cost Estimators in Arkansas earn an average annual salary of $71,230, which is notably below the national average of $83,140. This difference is largely influenced by the state's economic landscape and the specific demand for cost estimation services within its industries. Factors such as the overall cost of living and the concentration of relevant businesses play a significant role in shaping compensation levels for this profession.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $106,310.
- Outlook: The job market for Cost Estimators in Arkansas, with a total local workforce of 1,370 professionals, presents a stable but not exceptionally concentrated demand. The Location Quotient of 0.75 indicates that the profession is slightly less prevalent in Arkansas compared to the national average. While this suggests a moderate level of opportunity, it also implies that the market is not saturated, offering potential for steady employment.
Salary Overview
The average Cost Estimators in Arkansas earns-14.3%below the national average.
$34.2
$1,370
$5,936
Cost Estimators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Cost Estimator salary growth in Arkansas is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic development and increased project activity within sectors reliant on cost estimation, such as construction and manufacturing, typically drive salary increases. This suggests that professionals in this field have likely seen their earning potential improve incrementally.
Cost Estimators Salary Distribution in Arkansas
Salary progression for Cost Estimators in Arkansas typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive project experience and specialized knowledge can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on expertise and a proven track record.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $41,420 | $19.9 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $53,423 | $25.7 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $62,870 | $30.2 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $89,038 | $42.8 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $106,310 | $51.1 |
Detailed Cost Estimators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$78,882
Adjusted for COL (90.3)
The nominal average salary of $71,230 in Arkansas offers a favorable purchasing power due to the state's Cost of Living Index of 90.3, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the earned income in Arkansas can generally cover more goods and services compared to higher cost-of-living areas, making the effective financial standing of a Cost Estimator potentially stronger than the raw salary figure might suggest.
Job Market Context
1,370
Total Jobs
1.063
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
Arkansas has 0.75x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.75, the job market for Cost Estimators in Arkansas is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there are opportunities, the field is not as robustly populated as in other states. Employers may find it slightly more challenging to source specialized talent, potentially leading to competitive offers for experienced individuals, but overall demand is moderate.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cost Estimators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Cost Estimators Salary | $67,440↓ 5% | 17 mi |
Comparing salaries near Arkansas
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cost Estimators make in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for a Cost Estimators in Arkansas is $71,230. This typically ranges from $41,420 for entry-level positions to $106,310 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Arkansas is 14.3% lower than the national median of $83,140.
Is Arkansas a lucrative place for Cost Estimators?
No, but cost-effective.Arkansas offers a lower average salary for Cost Estimators compared to the national average. However, the significantly lower cost of living means your earnings can provide a good standard of living.
Is Arkansas a good place to live for Cost Estimators?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.3 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Arkansas?
Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($67,440) and others.
How does Arkansas's cost of living affect Cost Estimator salaries?
Arkansas's cost of living is 9.7% lower than the national average, meaning the $71,230 salary for Cost Estimators has greater purchasing power locally than a similar salary in a high-cost state.
What is the job outlook for Cost Estimators in Arkansas?
The job market is stable with a moderate demand, indicated by 1.063 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.75, suggesting steady but not explosive growth.
How much more can experienced Cost Estimators earn in Arkansas?
While specific figures vary, senior Cost Estimators with significant experience and specialized skills can expect to earn substantially more than the $71,230 average, moving into higher salary percentiles.
Is the number of Cost Estimators in Arkansas growing?
While direct growth figures aren't available, the stable workforce size and moderate Location Quotient suggest consistent, albeit not rapid, demand for Cost Estimators in the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,370 employees in the Arkansas area with a job density of 1.063 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cost Estimators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Arkansas