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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Cost Estimators salary in Houston, Texas

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Houston 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$74,990
Mean annual$79,870
Range (10th to 90th)$41,420 to $130,140
Houston, Texas employment6,310
State vs national-2.9% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Houston cost estimators fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$41,42025TH$54,350MEDIAN$74,99075TH$99,79090TH$130,140

The middle 50% of workers earn between $54,350 and $99,790, with a median of $74,990.

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)

  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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Other metros in Texas

How the Houston metro compares to other major Texas metro areas for cost estimators.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Cost Estimators in Houston, Texas?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Cost Estimators in the Houston metropolitan area is $74,990.
Does Houston pay more than the Texas state average for Cost Estimators?
The Houston metro median is +0.1% versus the Texas state median of $74,930.
How does Houston compare to the national median for Cost Estimators?
The Houston metro median is -2.9% versus the BLS national figure of $77,225.
What is the salary range for Cost Estimators in Houston?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $41,420 and the 90th-percentile at $130,140 for the Houston 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 Houston 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.