Salary distribution
Where New York City cost estimators fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $66,460 and $120,840, with a median of $86,540.
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 New York City metro compares to other major New York metro areas for cost estimators.
- Buffalo$76,150
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Cost Estimators in New York City, New York?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Cost Estimators in the New York City metropolitan area is $86,540.
- Does New York City pay more than the New York state average for Cost Estimators?
- The New York City metro median is +4.3% versus the New York state median of $82,940.
- How does New York City compare to the national median for Cost Estimators?
- The New York City metro median is +12.1% versus the BLS national figure of $77,225.
- What is the salary range for Cost Estimators in New York City?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $53,990 and the 90th-percentile at $156,790 for the New York City 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 New York City 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.