Cost Estimator salary in Albuquerque, NM
Cost Estimators in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn a median of $73,090 a year ($35.14 an hour), based on BLS data for 520 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,810 for the lowest-paid 10% to $115,970 for the top 10%. That is 7% lower than the national median of $78,740. Pay here is 8% higher than the New Mexico statewide median of $67,590. There are 1.3 cost estimators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $74,870, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for cost estimators in Albuquerque, NM
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,810 | $19.14 |
| 25th percentile | $50,890 | $24.47 |
| Median | $73,090 | $35.14 |
| 75th percentile | $93,610 | $45.01 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $115,970 | $55.76 |
| Average (mean) | $74,870 | $36.00 |
Half of cost estimators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $6,090.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,045.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,811.15 |
| Weekly | $1,405.58 |
| Hourly | $35.14 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Cost Estimator salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Farmington, NM | $62,530 | 60 |
| Santa Fe, NM | $61,570 | 60 |
| Las Cruces, NM | $56,010 | 90 |
Highest-paying states for cost estimators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $100,840 |
| Alaska | $97,020 |
| Wyoming | $90,790 |
| Colorado | $86,940 |
| Washington | $86,070 |
| California | $85,460 |
| Illinois | $82,750 |
| District of Columbia | $82,730 |
| Nevada | $82,200 |
| Rhode Island | $81,990 |
See Cost Estimator pay in every state or the New Mexico statewide figures.
Related jobs in Albuquerque, NM
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $81,070 | $38.97 |
| Project Management Specialist | $106,730 | $51.31 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $73,290 | $35.24 |
| Management Analyst | $100,130 | $48.14 |
| Buyers and Purchasing Agents | $80,290 | $38.60 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $64,690 | $31.10 |
| Compliance Officer | $66,860 | $32.14 |
| Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators | $62,990 | $30.28 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $62,040 | $29.83 |
| Logistician | $101,270 | $48.69 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | $51,120 | $24.58 |
| Fundraiser | $66,290 | $31.87 |
| Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $81,670 | $39.26 |
| Labor Relations Specialist | $83,570 | $40.18 |
More: Business and Financial Operations Occupations · all salaries in Albuquerque, NM
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 13-1051. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cost estimator make in Albuquerque, NM?
The median salary for cost estimators in the Albuquerque, NM metro area is $73,090 a year, or $35.14 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,810 for the lowest-paid 10% to $115,970 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid cost estimators make in Albuquerque, NM?
The top 10% of cost estimators in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn at least $115,970 a year. The top 25% earn $93,610 or more.
What is the starting pay for cost estimators in Albuquerque, NM?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,810 a year, and a quarter of cost estimators earn $50,890 or less.
How many cost estimators work in Albuquerque, NM?
About 520 cost estimators are employed in the Albuquerque, NM metro area, not counting the self-employed.