Cost estimators
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$77,070
~$37/hr · ~$6,423/mo
US Jobs
221K
Decline
AI & Automation Risk
8/10
High Risk
AI & Automation Risk
High Risk 8/10
Cost estimation is a data-intensive, digital-first occupation centered on analyzing blueprints, technical documents, and historical databases to predict costs. AI and advanced software are already driving a projected decline in employment by automating routine calculations and simulations, though human oversight remains necessary for complex site-specific variables and high-stakes negotiations.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsfield, MABEST VALUE | $97,000 | Below avg (93.5) | $103,728 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $82,250 | Below avg (85.0) | $96,778 |
| Worcester, MA | $98,550 | Average (103.0) | $95,696 |
| Springfield, MA | $93,790 | Average (98.1) | $95,638 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $104,190 | Above avg (110.4) | $94,381 |
| Kokomo, IN | $81,440 | Below avg (89.6) | $90,943 |
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | $91,350 | Average (100.8) | $90,667 |
| Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT | $90,940 | Average (100.7) | $90,312 |
| Chico, CA | $94,200 | Above avg (104.7) | $89,933 |
| Vineland, NJ | $84,330 | Below avg (93.9) | $89,794 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $79,010 | Below avg (88.0) | $89,762 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $78,600 | Below avg (87.6) | $89,737 |
| Dubuque, IA | $79,750 | Below avg (89.1) | $89,547 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $79,430 | Below avg (88.9) | $89,378 |
| Decatur, IL | $76,780 | Below avg (86.7) | $88,598 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
-4% (Decline)
Hourly Rate
~$37/hr
Monthly Income
~$6,423/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)