Cost Estimators Salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD

Median annual salary $77,580 +0.7% vs national
Median hourly $37.30
10th percentile $52,680
90th percentile $125,540
Employed locally 4,100
National median $77,070

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    In Philadelphia and surrounding areas (PA-NJ-DE-MD), cost estimators earn a median annual salary of $77,580, which is slightly above the national median of $77,070. This reflects a competitive earning potential within the region for this occupation. When comparing to local household income, the area's median household income stands at $89,273, indicating that a typical cost estimator earns close to, but still below, the average household earnings in the region. The employment landscape for this role appears stable with an estimated 4,100 individuals employed as cost estimators and a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.80%, suggesting a healthy demand for their expertise.

    Entry-level cost estimators typically earn closer to the lower end of the salary range, around $52,680 at the 10th percentile, while those more experienced in the field may reach earnings near the 75th percentile of approximately $99,480 or even up to $125,540 at the 90th percentile. This substantial difference is driven by factors such as experience level, specialization within cost estimation, and proficiency in leveraging industry-standard software and techniques. Additionally, regional demand for skilled cost estimators in construction or manufacturing sectors can further influence salary variations between entry-level and experienced positions.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $52,680
    25th
    $63,560
    50th (median)
    $77,580
    75th
    $99,480
    90th
    $125,540

    Philadelphia economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $89,273 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 Philadelphia?

    The median hourly wage for Cost Estimators in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $37.30, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $63.14 or more per hour.

    Is Philadelphia above or below average for Cost Estimators salaries?

    The median Cost Estimators salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 0.7% 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 Philadelphia?

    Entry-level Cost Estimators (10th percentile) earn around $52,680 per year in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $63,560.