What is the median salary for Cost Estimators in Columbus, Ohio?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Cost Estimators in the Columbus metropolitan area is $79,990.

Does Columbus pay more than the Ohio state average for Cost Estimators?

The Columbus metro median is +2.9% versus the Ohio state median of $77,730.

How does Columbus compare to the national median for Cost Estimators?

The Columbus metro median is +0.8% versus the BLS national figure of $79,322.

What is the salary range for Cost Estimators in Columbus?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $49,440 and the 90th-percentile at $128,020 for the Columbus 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 Columbus, Ohio: $80k Median ($49k–$128k Range)

Median annual$79,990

Mean annual$87,280

Range (10th to 90th)$49,440 to $128,020

Columbus, Ohio employment1,570

State vs national+0.8% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Columbus 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 $63,480 and $101,050, with a median of $79,990.

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 Ohio

How the Columbus metro compares to other major Ohio metro areas for cost estimators.

Cincinnati$79,130
Cleveland$78,120

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Cost Estimators in Columbus, Ohio?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Cost Estimators in the Columbus metropolitan area is $79,990.
Does Columbus pay more than the Ohio state average for Cost Estimators?: The Columbus metro median is +2.9% versus the Ohio state median of $77,730.
How does Columbus compare to the national median for Cost Estimators?: The Columbus metro median is +0.8% versus the BLS national figure of $79,322.
What is the salary range for Cost Estimators in Columbus?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $49,440 and the 90th-percentile at $128,020 for the Columbus 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 Columbus 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.