Average Cost Estimators Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, Cost Estimators earn an average annual salary of $79,530. This figure is slightly below the national average of $83,140, reflecting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and demand. While the nominal pay is a key indicator, understanding the local cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $79,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $111,820.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a local workforce of 660 Cost Estimators, indicating a stable presence in the regional job market. With a Location Quotient of 1.15, the concentration of these roles is slightly higher than the national average, suggesting a moderate but consistent demand for skilled professionals in this sector within the metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Cost Estimators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-4.3%below the national average.
$38.2
$1,529
$6,628
Cost Estimators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that the field of cost estimation has seen steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader trends in construction and project management. This growth likely translates to incremental salary increases for Cost Estimators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, driven by inflation, increased project complexity, and a sustained demand for accurate cost projections.
Cost Estimators Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Salary progression for Cost Estimators typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive project portfolios and specialized knowledge can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles underscores the value placed on accumulated expertise and demonstrated success in managing complex cost estimations.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $50,810 | $24.4 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $59,648 | $28.7 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $78,680 | $37.8 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $99,413 | $47.8 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $111,820 | $53.8 |
Detailed Cost Estimators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$79,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$79,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $79,530 in Des Moines-West Des Moines 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 this area is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the salary effectively covers the typical expenses associated with living in the region without significant deviation from national norms.
Job Market Context
660
Total Jobs
1.631
Per 1K Jobs
1.15
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.15, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cost Estimators roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.15 for Cost Estimators in Des Moines-West Des Moines signifies a job market where these professionals are slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy, albeit not overwhelmingly saturated, demand for their skills within the local economy, indicating a competitive but accessible market for both employers seeking talent and individuals looking for opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cost Estimators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Cost Estimators Salary | $79,910↑ 0% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cost Estimators Salary | $77,140↓ 3% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cost Estimators Salary | $79,470↓ 0% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cost Estimators Salary | $72,960↓ 8% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Cost Estimators Salary | $74,780↓ 6% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cost Estimators make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Cost Estimators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $79,530. This typically ranges from $50,810 for entry-level positions to $111,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 4.3% lower than the national median of $83,140.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Cost Estimators?
Yes, it offers a balanced financial environment for Cost Estimators.The average salary of $79,530 is competitive, especially when considering the national average cost of living index of 100 in the area. This indicates good purchasing power for professionals in this role.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Cost Estimators?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($79,910) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Cost Estimators in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $79,530, which is slightly lower than the national average of $83,140.
What is the concentration of Cost Estimators in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.15, indicating a slightly higher presence of Cost Estimators compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a Cost Estimator's salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
No, the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $79,530 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Cost Estimators are there in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area?
The total local workforce for Cost Estimators in Des Moines-West Des Moines is approximately 660 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 660 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 1.631 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA