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Average Cost Estimators Salary in Washington

Cost Estimators in Washington State command an impressive average annual salary of $92,010, significantly surpassing the national average of $83,140. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the state's robust economic activity and a higher cost of living, necessitating greater pay to attract and retain skilled professionals in this critical role.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $92,010 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $136,530.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 7,320 Cost Estimators, Washington demonstrates a strong and established presence in this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.45 indicates a concentration of these roles that is 45% higher than the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a thriving job market for skilled estimators within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$92,010

The average Cost Estimators in Washington earns+10.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$44.2

Weekly

$1,769

Monthly

$7,668

Cost Estimators Salary Distribution in Washington

The career trajectory for Cost Estimators in Washington offers significant earning potential, with entry-level positions typically starting lower and senior roles commanding substantially higher salaries. The widening percentile gaps as experience increases clearly signify a well-defined path for career progression and increased earning capacity within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$56,990$27.4
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$69,008$33.2
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$82,900$39.9
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$115,013$55.3
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$136,530$65.6

Detailed Cost Estimators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$92,010

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$79,939

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

While the nominal salary of $92,010 is attractive, the local Cost of Living Index of 115.1 means that Washington is approximately 15.1% more expensive than the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of a Cost Estimator's salary in Washington is somewhat tempered by these higher living expenses, though it generally remains competitive.

Job Market Context

7,320

Total Jobs

2.067

Per 1K Jobs

1.45

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.45, Washington has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cost Estimators roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.45 signifies that Cost Estimators are more concentrated in Washington than in the average U.S. state. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where employers actively seek these professionals, and a larger pool of talent exists compared to national benchmarks.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cost Estimators

CitySalaryDist.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Cost Estimators Salary$96,170↑ 5%42 mi
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Cost Estimators Salary$84,650↓ 8%54 mi
Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Cost Estimators Salary$85,610↓ 7%58 mi
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Cost Estimators Salary$86,180↓ 6%70 mi
Yakima, WA Cost Estimators Salary$83,240↓ 10%71 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cost Estimators make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Cost Estimators in Washington is $92,010. This typically ranges from $56,990 for entry-level positions to $136,530 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 10.7% higher than the national median of $83,140.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Cost Estimators?

Yes, Washington is a lucrative state for Cost Estimators.The average salary of $92,010 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of these roles (LQ 1.45) indicates strong demand.

Is Washington a good place to live for Cost Estimators?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($96,170) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.

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

Cost Estimators in Washington earn an average of $92,010 annually, which is $8,870 more than the national average of $83,140.

What is the concentration of Cost Estimators in Washington?

Washington has a Location Quotient of 1.45 for Cost Estimators, meaning the profession is 45% more concentrated there than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect a Cost Estimator's salary in Washington?

With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average. While the higher salary helps, a portion of the increased earnings is offset by living costs.

What is the total number of Cost Estimators in Washington?

There are approximately 7,320 Cost Estimators employed in Washington State.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,320 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 2.067 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 Washington