Average Cost Estimators Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Cost Estimators in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $96,170, significantly surpassing the national average of $83,140. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the region's robust economic activity, particularly in sectors like construction and aerospace, which demand precise cost analysis and forecasting expertise.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $96,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $144,060.
- Outlook: The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area boasts a substantial local workforce of 4,490 Cost Estimators. With a Location Quotient of 1.51, indicating a concentration 51% higher than the national average, the demand for these professionals is notably strong, suggesting a healthy and active job market in this specialized field.
Salary Overview
The average Cost Estimators in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+15.7%above the national average.
$46.2
$1,849
$8,014
Cost Estimators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cost Estimators in a dynamic market like Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue have seen consistent growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for construction and infrastructure projects, and the evolving complexity of project management likely contribute to upward salary trends.
Cost Estimators Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
The career trajectory for Cost Estimators typically involves significant salary scaling 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 clearly signifies substantial career progression and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $59,000 | $28.4 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $72,128 | $34.7 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $86,300 | $41.5 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $120,213 | $57.8 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $144,060 | $69.3 |
Detailed Cost Estimators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$96,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$96,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $96,170 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial standing for Cost Estimators residing in this metropolitan area.
Job Market Context
4,490
Total Jobs
2.155
Per 1K Jobs
1.51
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 1.5x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.51 for Cost Estimators in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue signifies a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a robust demand and a potentially competitive environment, where employers actively seek out skilled individuals, and professionals may find more specialized opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cost Estimators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Cost Estimators Salary | $85,610↓ 11% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Cost Estimators Salary | $79,540↓ 17% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Cost Estimators Salary | $83,030↓ 14% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Cost Estimators Salary | $86,180↓ 10% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Cost Estimators Salary | $88,460↓ 8% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Cost Estimatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cost Estimators make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Cost Estimators in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $96,170. This typically ranges from $59,000 for entry-level positions to $144,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 15.7% higher than the national median of $83,140.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Cost Estimators?
Yes, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is a lucrative location for Cost Estimators.The average salary of $96,170 significantly exceeds the national average, and the strong Location Quotient of 1.51 indicates high demand for the role within the region.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Cost Estimators?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($85,610) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Cost of Living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue affect a Cost Estimator's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $96,170 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a fair compensation for the area's expenses.
What is the job market like for Cost Estimators in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
The market is robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 4,490 and a Location Quotient of 1.51, indicating a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
How many Cost Estimators are there in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
There are approximately 4,490 Cost Estimators working in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area.
Does experience significantly impact a Cost Estimator's salary in this region?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions earning less and senior estimators with specialized skills commanding higher salaries, reflecting significant career progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,490 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 2.155 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cost Estimators Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- All Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Management Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Browse All Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cost Estimators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA