Average Cost Estimators Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Cost Estimators in Chattanooga, TN-GA earn an average annual salary of $74,380, which is below the national average of $83,140. This difference can be attributed to the specific economic drivers and demand within the Chattanooga metropolitan area, influencing compensation levels for specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $74,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $105,990.
- Outlook: The Chattanooga, TN-GA market for Cost Estimators is moderately sized, with a total local workforce of 360 professionals. A Location Quotient of 0.93 suggests that the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cost Estimators in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-10.5%below the national average.
$35.8
$1,430
$6,198
Cost Estimators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Chattanooga's Cost Estimator salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of salary growth driven by inflation, increased demand for skilled professionals, and evolving industry needs.
Cost Estimators Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Salary progression for Cost Estimators in Chattanooga typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior estimators with extensive project experience and specialized knowledge can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear career growth path within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $47,750 | $23 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $55,785 | $26.8 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $70,330 | $33.8 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $92,975 | $44.7 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $105,990 | $51 |
Detailed Cost Estimators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$74,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$74,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average salary of $74,380 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, Cost Estimators in Chattanooga find their nominal earnings directly align with the national average cost of living. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
1.323
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.93x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.93 for Cost Estimators in Chattanooga indicates a job market that is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced supply and demand, where the role is a recognized and present occupation within the local economy, but not necessarily a standout or highly specialized field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cost Estimators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, TN Cost Estimators Salary | $76,150↑ 2% | 23 mi |
| Dalton, GA Cost Estimators Salary | $70,050↓ 6% | 26 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Cost Estimators Salary | $84,460↑ 14% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
Hiring Cost Estimatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cost Estimators make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Cost Estimators in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $74,380. This typically ranges from $47,750 for entry-level positions to $105,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 10.5% lower than the national median of $83,140.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Cost Estimators?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cost Estimators is below the national benchmark. This suggests that while the earnings are stable, they do not offer a significant financial advantage over other regions.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Cost Estimators?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($76,150) and Dalton, GA.
How does the number of Cost Estimators in Chattanooga compare nationally?
With 1.323 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of Cost Estimators in Chattanooga is slightly below the national average, reflecting a moderate level of employment for this profession within the local workforce.
What is the significance of a Location Quotient of 0.93?
A Location Quotient of 0.93 means that Cost Estimators are slightly less concentrated in Chattanooga compared to the national average. This implies that while the profession exists, it's not as dominant a sector as it might be in other areas.
How does Chattanooga's Cost of Living affect a Cost Estimator's salary?
Chattanooga's Cost of Living Index of 100 means it matches the national average. Therefore, the $74,380 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither significantly advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
What is the total number of Cost Estimators in Chattanooga?
There are approximately 360 Cost Estimators working within the Chattanooga, TN-GA metropolitan area, forming a key part of the local professional workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 1.323 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 Chattanooga, TN-GA