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Cost Estimators Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Cost Estimators make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$85,460
Median Annual Salary
▲
+1.0% vs 2024
$94,780
Mean Salary
$85,460
Median Salary
$41.09
Hourly Rate
26,020 people work as Cost Estimators in California
Cost Estimators salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Cost Estimators in California earn a median salary of $85,460 per year ($7,121/month).
This is 8.8% above the national average of $78,540.
California ranks #6 out of 51 states for Cost Estimators pay.
Approximately 26,020 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 1.0% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Cost Estimators
Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.
Top Skills
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Mathematics
4.0
Speaking
3.88
Active Listening
3.75
Critical Thinking
3.75
Key Knowledge Areas
Mathematics
4.41
Economics and Accounting
3.95
Computers and Electronics
3.5
Engineering and Technology
3.41
Building and Construction
3.32
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
(81.8% of workers)
Salaries for Cost Estimators in California range from $51,750 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $150,790 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $65,690 and $118,060.
The median annual salary for Cost Estimators in California is $85,460 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $94,780.
What is the salary range for a Cost Estimators in California?
Salaries for Cost Estimators in California range from $51,750 at the 10th percentile to $150,790 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $65,690 and $118,060.
What is the starting salary for a Cost Estimators in California?
Entry-level Cost Estimators positions in California typically start around $51,750 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $65,690 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Cost Estimators in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 26,020 people are employed as Cost Estimators in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Cost Estimators in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Cost Estimators in California is approximately $41.09 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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