What is the median salary for Cost Estimators in San Francisco, California?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Cost Estimators in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $103,030.

Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Cost Estimators?

The San Francisco metro median is +21.8% versus the California state median of $84,610.

How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Cost Estimators?

The San Francisco metro median is +33.4% versus the BLS national figure of $77,225.

What is the salary range for Cost Estimators in San Francisco?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $63,050 and the 90th-percentile at $169,200 for the San Francisco metro area.

What education is required for Cost Estimators?

BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Cost Estimators Salary in San Francisco, California

Median annual$103,030

Mean annual$111,870

Range (10th to 90th)$63,050 to $169,200

San Francisco, California employment3,520

State vs national+33.4% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Francisco cost estimators fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

The middle 50% of workers earn between $77,310 and $134,990, with a median of $103,030.

Typical entry

Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

Top skills (O*NET)

Mathematics
Knowledge
4.4 / 5
Inductive Reasoning
Ability
4.1 / 5
Mathematical Reasoning
Ability
4.0 / 5
Mathematics
Basic skill
4.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
4.0 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
4.0 / 5
Economics and Accounting
Knowledge
4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

01
Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
02
Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
03
Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
04
Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
05
Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
06
Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.
07
Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
08
Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.

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Other metros in California

How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for cost estimators.

San Jose$97,990
Sacramento$84,740
San Diego$84,600
Los Angeles$80,920
Riverside$77,610

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Cost Estimators in San Francisco, California?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Cost Estimators in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $103,030.
Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Cost Estimators?: The San Francisco metro median is +21.8% versus the California state median of $84,610.
How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Cost Estimators?: The San Francisco metro median is +33.4% versus the BLS national figure of $77,225.
What is the salary range for Cost Estimators in San Francisco?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $63,050 and the 90th-percentile at $169,200 for the San Francisco metro area.
What education is required for Cost Estimators?: BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Francisco CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.