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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Cost Estimators salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the New Orleans 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$72,030
Mean annual$74,340
Range (10th to 90th)$40,800 to $104,980
New Orleans, Louisiana employment460
State vs national-6.7% vs national

Salary distribution

Where New Orleans cost estimators fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$40,80025TH$56,040MEDIAN$72,03075TH$92,97090TH$104,980

The middle 50% of workers earn between $56,040 and $92,970, with a median of $72,030.

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)

  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.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Cost Estimators in New Orleans, Louisiana?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Cost Estimators in the New Orleans metropolitan area is $72,030.
Does New Orleans pay more than the Louisiana state average for Cost Estimators?
The New Orleans metro median is +5.2% versus the Louisiana state median of $68,500.
How does New Orleans compare to the national median for Cost Estimators?
The New Orleans metro median is -6.7% versus the BLS national figure of $77,225.
What is the salary range for Cost Estimators in New Orleans?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $40,800 and the 90th-percentile at $104,980 for the New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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.