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Average Cost Estimators Salary in Billings, MT

Cost Estimators in Billings, Montana, earn an average annual salary of $72,300. This figure is notably below the national average of $83,140. Local market dynamics, including industry demand and the specific economic landscape of Billings, likely contribute to this pay differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $72,300 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $103,080.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 230 Cost Estimators, Billings presents a concentrated employment sector for this profession, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.74. This suggests a demand for these skills that is 74% higher than the national average, implying a robust job market for skilled individuals in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$72,300

The average Cost Estimators in Billings, MT earns-13.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$34.8

Weekly

$1,390

Monthly

$6,025

Cost Estimators Salary Distribution in Billings, MT

Salary progression for Cost Estimators in Billings is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level professionals can expect to earn at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior estimators with extensive project portfolios and specialized knowledge command higher compensation. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects typical career advancement and increased responsibilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$48,000$23.1
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$54,225$26.1
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$65,540$31.5
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$90,375$43.4
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$103,080$49.6

Detailed Cost Estimators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$72,300

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$72,300

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $72,300 in Billings aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Cost Estimator's salary in Billings is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to living expenses.

Job Market Context

230

Total Jobs

2.483

Per 1K Jobs

1.74

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Billings, MT has 1.7x the national concentration of Cost Estimators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

A Location Quotient of 1.74 signifies a strong concentration of Cost Estimator jobs in Billings relative to the national average. This indicates that the job market for this profession is more robust and potentially less saturated than in many other regions, offering favorable opportunities for both job seekers and employers.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cost Estimatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cost Estimators make in Billings, MT?

The median annual salary for a Cost Estimators in Billings, MT is $72,300. This typically ranges from $48,000 for entry-level positions to $103,080 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Billings, MT is 13.0% lower than the national median of $83,140.

Is Billings, MT a lucrative place for Cost Estimators?

No, not when compared to the national average salary.While the local cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $72,300 is below the national average of $83,140. However, the high concentration of jobs (LQ of 1.74) suggests strong local demand.

Is Billings, MT a good place to live for Cost Estimators?

The Cost of Living Index in Billings, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the Billings Cost Estimator salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for Cost Estimators in Billings, MT is $72,300, which is lower than the national average of $83,140.

What is the job market like for Cost Estimators in Billings?

Billings has a higher concentration of Cost Estimators than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.74, indicating strong local demand.

Does the cost of living in Billings affect salary expectations?

No, the cost of living in Billings is at the national average (100), meaning the $72,300 salary has average purchasing power locally.

How many Cost Estimators work in Billings, MT?

There are approximately 230 Cost Estimators employed in Billings, MT.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Billings, MT area with a job density of 2.483 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.