Average Cost Estimators Salary in South Carolina
In South Carolina, Cost Estimators earn an average annual salary of $73,070. This figure is notably below the national average of $83,140. Local economic factors and industry demand within the state contribute to this salary differential, reflecting the unique market dynamics present in the Palmetto State.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $73,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $106,800.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,460 Cost Estimators, South Carolina presents a moderate employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.76 suggests that the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of over a thousand jobs per thousand workers further underscores the consistent demand for skilled estimators within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cost Estimators in South Carolina earns-12.1%below the national average.
$35.1
$1,405
$6,089
Cost Estimators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cost Estimators in South Carolina have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for construction and manufacturing projects, and the evolving complexity of cost estimation methodologies.
Cost Estimators Salary Distribution in South Carolina
Career progression for Cost Estimators in South Carolina typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized knowledge can command salaries well above the average. The widening percentile gaps in salary reflect the value placed on expertise and proven track records in complex estimation projects.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $44,500 | $21.4 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $54,803 | $26.3 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $67,420 | $32.4 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $91,338 | $43.9 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $106,800 | $51.3 |
Detailed Cost Estimators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$73,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$76,194
Adjusted for COL (95.9)
The average annual salary of $73,070 in South Carolina offers a reasonable standard of living, especially when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 95.9. This index, being slightly below the national average of 100, suggests that the purchasing power of a Cost Estimator's salary in South Carolina may be more favorable than the nominal figures initially indicate, allowing for a potentially comfortable lifestyle.
Job Market Context
2,460
Total Jobs
1.083
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
South Carolina 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 for Cost Estimators in South Carolina indicates that the profession is slightly less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the market may not be as intensely competitive as in regions with higher LQs, potentially offering a more accessible entry point for new professionals or those looking to relocate.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cost Estimators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Cost Estimators Salary | $69,200↓ 5% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Cost Estimators Salary | $67,350↓ 8% | 32 mi |
| Florence, SC Cost Estimators Salary | $63,800↓ 13% | 70 mi |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Cost Estimators Salary | $73,280↑ 0% | 73 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Cost Estimators Salary | $75,210↑ 3% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Carolina
Hiring Cost Estimatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cost Estimators make in South Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Cost Estimators in South Carolina is $73,070. This typically ranges from $44,500 for entry-level positions to $106,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Carolina is 12.1% lower than the national median of $83,140.
Is South Carolina a lucrative place for Cost Estimators?
No, not compared to the national average.While the average salary of $73,070 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $83,140. However, the lower cost of living can partially offset this difference.
Is South Carolina a good place to live for Cost Estimators?
With a Cost of Living Index of 95.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($69,200) and Sumter, SC.
What is the average salary for a Cost Estimator in South Carolina?
The average annual salary for a Cost Estimator in South Carolina is $73,070.
How does South Carolina's Cost Estimator salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in South Carolina ($73,070) is lower than the national average ($83,140).
Is the job market for Cost Estimators strong in South Carolina?
The job market is stable with a moderate workforce size and a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating consistent demand without extreme competition.
How does the cost of living in South Carolina affect the salary?
With a cost of living index of 95.9 (below the national average of 100), the $73,070 salary offers relatively good purchasing power within the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,460 employees in the South Carolina area with a job density of 1.083 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 South Carolina