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Average Cost Estimators Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Cost Estimators in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $85,150. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $83,140, indicating a competitive market for these professionals. The specific economic landscape and demand within this region contribute to this favorable compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $85,150 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $128,550.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,850 Cost Estimators, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area demonstrates a substantial presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.76 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of jobs indicates a stable and active market for skilled estimators.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$85,150

The average Cost Estimators in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns+2.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$40.9

Weekly

$1,638

Monthly

$7,096

Cost Estimators Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Salary progression for Cost Estimators typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive project experience and specialized knowledge can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps are a clear indicator of career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$48,660$23.4
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$63,863$30.7
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$81,480$39.2
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$106,438$51.2
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$128,550$61.8

Detailed Cost Estimators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$85,150

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$85,150

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $85,150 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Cost Estimator's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without significant cost-of-living adjustments.

Job Market Context

4,850

Total Jobs

1.083

Per 1K Jobs

0.76

Location Quotient

Below Average

Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 0.76x 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 0.76 indicates that Cost Estimators are slightly less concentrated in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area compared to the national average. This suggests a market that is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals seeking employment, though perhaps not as intensely specialized as areas with a higher LQ.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cost Estimators

Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Hiring Cost Estimatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cost Estimators make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?

The median annual salary for a Cost Estimators in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $85,150. This typically ranges from $48,660 for entry-level positions to $128,550 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 2.4% higher than the national median of $83,140.

Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Cost Estimators?

Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average salary of $85,150 is above the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, providing strong purchasing power.

Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Cost Estimators?

The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?

Some top paying nearby cities include Michigan City-La Porte, IN ($70,250) and Kenosha, WI.

How does the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for Cost Estimators in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $85,150, which is slightly higher than the national average of $83,140.

What is the Cost of Living in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?

The Cost of Living Index for Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is 100, which is exactly the national average.

How many Cost Estimators work in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area?

There are approximately 4,850 Cost Estimators employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metropolitan area.

Is the job market for Cost Estimators strong in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?

With a substantial workforce and a Location Quotient slightly below the national average, the market indicates a stable demand for Cost Estimators, suggesting a healthy job environment.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,850 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 1.083 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.