SalaryNode

Average Cost Estimators Salary in Montana

Cost Estimators in Montana earn an average annual salary of $70,750, which is below the national average of $83,140. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, industry demand within the state, and the overall cost of doing business in Montana compared to more populous or economically diverse states.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $70,750 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,520.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,210 Cost Estimators, Montana demonstrates a notable concentration of these professionals, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.67. This suggests a demand for cost estimation services that is significantly higher than the national average, implying a robust job market for skilled individuals in this field within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$70,750

The average Cost Estimators in Montana earns-14.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$34

Weekly

$1,361

Monthly

$5,896

Cost Estimators Salary Distribution in Montana

Salary progression for Cost Estimators in Montana typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior estimators with extensive project portfolios and specialized knowledge can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential as expertise develops.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$46,990$22.6
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$53,063$25.5
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$68,360$32.9
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$88,438$42.5
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$98,520$47.4

Detailed Cost Estimators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$70,750

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$66,183

Adjusted for COL (106.9)

While the nominal salary for Cost Estimators in Montana stands at $70,750, the local Cost of Living Index of 106.9 means that expenses are approximately 6.9% higher than the national average. This suggests that the purchasing power of the Montana salary is somewhat diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living, requiring careful budgeting.

Job Market Context

1,210

Total Jobs

2.379

Per 1K Jobs

1.67

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Montana has 1.7x the national concentration of Cost Estimators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Montana's Location Quotient of 1.67 for Cost Estimators indicates a market where these professionals are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a relatively strong demand for their services within the state, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking talent.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cost Estimators

CitySalaryDist.
Great Falls, MT Cost Estimators Salary$67,650↓ 4%56 mi
Helena, MT Cost Estimators Salary$71,260↑ 1%77 mi
Bozeman, MT Cost Estimators Salary$73,430↑ 4%90 mi

Comparing salaries near Montana

Hiring Cost Estimatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cost Estimators make in Montana?

The median annual salary for a Cost Estimators in Montana is $70,750. This typically ranges from $46,990 for entry-level positions to $98,520 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Montana is 14.9% lower than the national median of $83,140.

Is Montana a lucrative place for Cost Estimators?

No, not when compared to the national average.While Montana has a higher concentration of Cost Estimators than the national average, the average salary of $70,750 falls below the national figure of $83,140, and the cost of living is slightly above average.

Is Montana a good place to live for Cost Estimators?

The Cost of Living Index in Montana is 106.9. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Montana?

Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($67,650) and Helena, MT.

What is the average salary for a Cost Estimator in Montana?

The average annual salary for a Cost Estimator in Montana is $70,750.

How does Montana's Cost Estimator salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Montana ($70,750) is lower than the national average ($83,140).

Is there high demand for Cost Estimators in Montana?

Yes, Montana has a Location Quotient of 1.67, indicating a higher concentration of Cost Estimators than the national average, suggesting strong local demand.

How does the cost of living in Montana affect salary?

Montana's Cost of Living Index is 106.9, meaning it's slightly more expensive than the national average, which somewhat reduces the purchasing power of the $70,750 salary.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,210 employees in the Montana area with a job density of 2.379 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cost Estimators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Montana