Cost Estimator Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Collects and analyzes data to estimate the time, materials, and costs required for a project.
Santa Cruz-Watsonville ranks #26 of 530 U.S. metro areas for cost estimator pay. Entry-level salaries here are $4,684 above the national average.
Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $52,894 | $48,210 | +$4,684 | +9.7% |
| Level II | $72,238 | $61,900 | +$10,338 | +16.7% |
| Level III (Mid) | $91,603 | $75,591 | +$16,012 | +21.2% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $110,947 | $89,282 | +$21,665 | +24.3% |
Other metros in California
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $67,371 | $133,786 | $111,883 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $69,576 | $128,877 | $109,304 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $63,482 | $117,146 | $99,424 |
| Napa | $62,026 | $113,963 | $96,824 |
| Vallejo | $55,952 | $114,878 | $95,430 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost estimator salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The average cost estimator salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $91,790 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Santa Cruz-Watsonville at rank #26 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level cost estimators earn in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
Entry-level cost estimators (Level I) in Santa Cruz-Watsonville earn $52,894 per year. Level II (early career) earns $72,238, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Santa Cruz-Watsonville compare to the national average for cost estimator salaries?
Santa Cruz-Watsonville ranks #26 of 530 U.S. metro areas for cost estimator pay. Entry-level salaries here are $4,684 above the national average. The national average cost estimator salary is $75,728, while Santa Cruz-Watsonville workers average $91,790 — a difference of +21% overall.
Data source: Salary data sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, which surveys employers nationwide to collect wage data by occupation and geography. The four experience levels reflect DOL standardized tiers. Data reflects the most recently published survey cycle. SOC code: 13-1051.