California ranks 2nd of 51 states and D.C. for cost estimators pay, trailing top-paying Massachusetts ($102,680) by $18,070 — a 21% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $51,780 to $149,400 — a $97,620 spread, 19% wider than the national $82,310 range.
California employs roughly 11.7% of all cost estimators in the country (25,580 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $51,780 | $24.89 |
| 25th percentile | $64,880 | $31.19 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $84,610 | $40.68 |
| 75th percentile | $116,660 | $56.09 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $149,400 | $71.83 |
| Mean (average) | $94,880 | $45.62 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $84,610 | n/a |
| Massachusetts | $102,680 | +21% |
| District of Columbia | $84,410 | +0% |
| New York | $82,940 | -2% |
| Washington | $82,900 | -2% |
| Colorado | $81,990 | -3% |
| Maryland | $81,490 | -4% |
| New Jersey | $80,880 | -4% |
| Nevada | $80,270 | -5% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | $84,550 | 6,520 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $84,530 | 12,460 |
| Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants | $84,790 | 63,250 |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $84,910 | 12,820 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $83,820 | 168,180 |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $85,560 | 3,180 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cost Estimators salary in California?
The mean cost estimators salary in California is $94,880 per year. The median (middle) salary is $84,610 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cost Estimators in California?
Entry-level cost estimatorss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $51,780 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $64,880 per year.
What is the highest Cost Estimators salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $149,400 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $116,660 per year.
How does the California Cost Estimators salary compare to the national average?
The median cost estimators salary in California is $84,610, which is +10% above national average of $77,070.