RateOrchard
Calculators
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Cost Estimators salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Indianapolis metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$77,250
Mean annual$78,690
Range (10th to 90th)$50,590 to $107,470
Indianapolis, Indiana employment1,800
State vs national0.0% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Indianapolis cost estimators fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$50,59025TH$62,180MEDIAN$77,25075TH$95,17090TH$107,470

The middle 50% of workers earn between $62,180 and $95,170, with a median of $77,250.

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)

  1. 01

    Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.

  2. 02

    Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.

  3. 03

    Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.

  4. 04

    Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.

  5. 05

    Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.

  6. 06

    Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.

  7. 07

    Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.

  8. 08

    Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.

Sponsored

Build the skills employers list for Cost Estimators

Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.

Explore courses

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Cost Estimators in Indianapolis, Indiana?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Cost Estimators in the Indianapolis metropolitan area is $77,250.
Does Indianapolis pay more than the Indiana state average for Cost Estimators?
The Indianapolis metro median is +7.9% versus the Indiana state median of $71,590.
How does Indianapolis compare to the national median for Cost Estimators?
The Indianapolis metro median is 0.0% versus the BLS national figure of $77,225.
What is the salary range for Cost Estimators in Indianapolis?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $50,590 and the 90th-percentile at $107,470 for the Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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.