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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Cost Estimators salary in Richmond, Virginia

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Richmond 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$69,340
Mean annual$74,150
Range (10th to 90th)$41,600 to $110,810
Richmond, Virginia employment1,150
State vs national-10.2% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Richmond cost estimators fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$41,60025TH$55,670MEDIAN$69,34075TH$86,95090TH$110,810

The middle 50% of workers earn between $55,670 and $86,950, with a median of $69,340.

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 Virginia

How the Richmond metro compares to other major Virginia metro areas for cost estimators.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Cost Estimators in Richmond, Virginia?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Cost Estimators in the Richmond metropolitan area is $69,340.
Does Richmond pay more than the Virginia state average for Cost Estimators?
The Richmond metro median is -8.7% versus the Virginia state median of $75,970.
How does Richmond compare to the national median for Cost Estimators?
The Richmond metro median is -10.2% versus the BLS national figure of $77,225.
What is the salary range for Cost Estimators in Richmond?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $41,600 and the 90th-percentile at $110,810 for the Richmond 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 Richmond 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.