Average Cost Estimators Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Cost Estimators in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area earn an average annual salary of $75,210. This figure is notably below the national average of $83,140, suggesting that local market dynamics and industry demand play a significant role in compensation within this region. Factors such as the specific industries prevalent in Charleston and the overall economic climate likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $75,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $112,570.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston area supports a workforce of 440 Cost Estimators, with 1.13 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 0.79 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. While not a major hub for the profession, the existing workforce suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for cost estimation services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cost Estimators in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-9.5%below the national average.
$36.2
$1,446
$6,268
Cost Estimators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Charleston-North Charleston's Cost Estimator salaries is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth and inflation typically drive salary increases, and it's likely that Cost Estimators in this region have seen their earnings rise in line with broader market forces.
Cost Estimators Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Salary progression for Cost Estimators is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level professionals typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles represents a clear career trajectory and opportunity for financial growth within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $49,460 | $23.8 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $56,408 | $27.1 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $70,410 | $33.9 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $94,013 | $45.2 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $112,570 | $54.1 |
Detailed Cost Estimators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$75,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$75,210
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary for Cost Estimators in Charleston-North Charleston is $75,210, which aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced financial standing for those earning at this level within the local economy.
Job Market Context
440
Total Jobs
1.13
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
Charleston-North Charleston, SC has 0.79x 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 0.79, Charleston-North Charleston has a slightly lower concentration of Cost Estimators relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not as densely populated as in other major metropolitan areas. This could translate to a moderately competitive job market, where opportunities exist but may require targeted searching.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cost Estimators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Cost Estimators Salary | $72,320↓ 4% | 63 mi |
| Sumter, SC Cost Estimators Salary | $67,350↓ 10% | 81 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Cost Estimators Salary | $69,720↓ 7% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Cost Estimators Salary | $75,930↑ 1% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cost Estimators Salary | $71,120↓ 5% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Hiring Cost Estimatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cost Estimators make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Cost Estimators in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $75,210. This typically ranges from $49,460 for entry-level positions to $112,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 9.5% lower than the national median of $83,140.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Cost Estimatorss?
No, it is not the most lucrative place for Cost Estimators.The average salary of $75,210 is below the national average of $83,140, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating less earning potential compared to national benchmarks.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Cost Estimators?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($72,320) and Sumter, SC.
How does Charleston's Cost Estimator salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cost Estimators in Charleston-North Charleston is $75,210, which is $7,930 less than the national average of $83,140.
What is the concentration of Cost Estimators in Charleston-North Charleston?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.79, indicating that Cost Estimators are slightly less prevalent in Charleston-North Charleston compared to the national average.
How does the Cost of Living in Charleston-North Charleston affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Charleston-North Charleston is at the national average. Therefore, the $75,210 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify for Cost Estimators in Charleston?
The figure of 1.13 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a moderate presence of Cost Estimator roles within the local labor market, indicating steady but not exceptionally high demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 1.13 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 Charleston-North Charleston, SC