Cost Estimators Salary in Los Angeles, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

Median annual salary $80,920 +5% vs national
Median hourly $38.90
10th percentile $49,920
90th percentile $142,080
Employed locally 7,350
National median $77,070

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Cost Estimators
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Los Angeles, CA
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    In Los Angeles, CA, Cost Estimators earn a median annual salary of $80,920, which is slightly above the national median of $77,070 for this occupation. This indicates that cost estimators in Los Angeles are generally compensated at a higher rate compared to their counterparts across the United States. When comparing this income to local household earnings, the median salary for Cost Estimators falls short of the area's median household income of $93,525. This discrepancy suggests that while Cost Estimators earn well above many other professions within the region, their earning potential is still somewhat below the overall household average in Los Angeles.

    For those entering the field as Cost Estimators, salaries start at around the 10th percentile mark with an annual income of approximately $49,920. In contrast, more experienced professionals can reach up to the 75th percentile, earning about $108,690 annually, while top performers may even achieve incomes near the 90th percentile, which is close to $142,080 per year. The substantial gap between entry-level and highly experienced workers' earnings can be attributed to several factors including accumulated expertise, specialized skills, and industry demand for seasoned professionals. Furthermore, those who command higher salaries often have broader responsibilities or work in industries with greater financial stakes, necessitating more accurate cost estimations and strategic planning capabilities.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $49,920
    25th
    $64,880
    50th (median)
    $80,920
    75th
    $108,690
    90th
    $142,080

    Los Angeles economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,525 2023 • Census ACS
    Cost Estimators salary vs area income 87% Median Cost Estimators salary is 13% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Cost Estimators make per hour in Los Angeles?

    The median hourly wage for Cost Estimators in Los Angeles, CA is $38.90, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $67.50 or more per hour.

    Is Los Angeles above or below average for Cost Estimators salaries?

    The median Cost Estimators salary in Los Angeles, CA is 5% above the national median of $77,070. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Cost Estimators in Los Angeles?

    Entry-level Cost Estimators (10th percentile) earn around $49,920 per year in Los Angeles, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $64,880.