Salary distribution
Where Buffalo cost estimators fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $60,330 and $93,310, with a median of $76,150.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.4 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Inductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.0 / 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
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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How the Buffalo metro compares to other major New York metro areas for cost estimators.
- New York City$86,540
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Cost Estimators in Buffalo, New York?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Cost Estimators in the Buffalo metropolitan area is $76,150.
- Does Buffalo pay more than the New York state average for Cost Estimators?
- The Buffalo metro median is -8.2% versus the New York state median of $82,940.
- How does Buffalo compare to the national median for Cost Estimators?
- The Buffalo metro median is -1.4% versus the BLS national figure of $77,225.
- What is the salary range for Cost Estimators in Buffalo?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $50,320 and the 90th-percentile at $114,740 for the Buffalo 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.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Buffalo 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.