Average Cost Estimators Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
In Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, Cost Estimators earn an average annual salary of $79,210. This figure is slightly below the national average of $83,140, a common occurrence in metropolitan areas with specific industry demands or a more localized talent pool. The pay reflects the unique economic landscape and the specific needs of industries within the Research Triangle region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $79,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $121,580.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 220 Cost Estimators, the job market in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, indicates a stable, albeit niche, presence. The Location Quotient of 0.45 suggests that this profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average, implying a moderate demand that may not be saturated by local talent alone. This presents potential opportunities for skilled professionals seeking to enter or advance within this specific sector in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cost Estimators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-4.7%below the national average.
$38.1
$1,523
$6,601
Cost Estimators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Cost Estimator salary growth in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic development and inflation typically drive salary increases across most professions, including specialized roles like cost estimation, as demand for accurate project budgeting continues.
Cost Estimators Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression for Cost Estimators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive project portfolios and advanced analytical skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth and increased earning potential as expertise is gained.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $45,200 | $21.7 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $59,408 | $28.6 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $76,750 | $36.9 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $99,013 | $47.6 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $121,580 | $58.5 |
Detailed Cost Estimators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$79,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$79,210
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $79,210 in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, 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 standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
0.637
Per 1K Jobs
0.45
Location Quotient
At 0.45x, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has a notably lower concentration of Cost Estimators jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.45 for Cost Estimators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, indicates that this profession is less concentrated locally than the national average. This suggests that the job market is not oversaturated, and there may be a greater reliance on attracting talent from outside the immediate region to meet demand. While not a high-demand hub, this lower concentration can translate to competitive opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cost Estimators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Cost Estimators Salary | $81,240↑ 3% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Cost Estimators Salary | $66,280↓ 16% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Cost Estimators Salary | $72,370↓ 9% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cost Estimators Salary | $69,680↓ 12% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cost Estimators Salary | $68,490↓ 14% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Cost Estimatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cost Estimators make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cost Estimators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $79,210. This typically ranges from $45,200 for entry-level positions to $121,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 4.7% lower than the national median of $83,140.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Cost Estimators?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $79,210 is below the national average of $83,140, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Cost Estimators?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($81,240) and Burlington, NC.
How does the Cost of Living in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC affect Cost Estimator salaries?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses match the national average. Therefore, the $79,210 salary provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment.
What is the job market like for Cost Estimators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The market is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.45. This suggests a stable but not overly saturated job environment, with 0.637 jobs per 1,000 workers.
How does experience impact a Cost Estimator's salary in this area?
Experience is a significant factor, with entry-level positions earning less and senior estimators commanding higher salaries, reflecting a clear career progression path and increased earning potential.
Is the number of Cost Estimators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC high?
No, the total local workforce of 220 and a Location Quotient below 1.0 indicate that Cost Estimators are less concentrated in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 0.637 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC