Cost Estimator salary in Bismarck, ND
Cost Estimators in the Bismarck, ND metro area earn a median of $71,020 a year ($34.14 an hour), based on BLS data for 130 workers.
Pay ranges from $48,480 for the lowest-paid 10% to $93,530 for the top 10%. That is 10% lower than the national median of $78,740. Pay here is 3% lower than the North Dakota statewide median of $73,280. There are 1.8 cost estimators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.2× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $71,450, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for cost estimators in Bismarck, ND
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,480 | $23.31 |
| 25th percentile | $60,240 | $28.96 |
| Median | $71,020 | $34.14 |
| 75th percentile | $77,480 | $37.25 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $93,530 | $44.97 |
| Average (mean) | $71,450 | $34.35 |
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 | $5,918.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,959.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,731.54 |
| Weekly | $1,365.77 |
| Hourly | $34.14 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Minot, ND | $74,990 | 40 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $73,760 | 320 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $73,310 | 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 North Dakota statewide figures.
Related jobs in Bismarck, ND
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Project Management Specialist | $88,650 | $42.62 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $81,330 | $39.10 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $75,980 | $36.53 |
| Management Analyst | $90,590 | $43.55 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $62,400 | $30.00 |
| Compliance Officer | $69,940 | $33.62 |
| Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators | $60,710 | $29.19 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $65,620 | $31.55 |
| Buyers and Purchasing Agents | $78,210 | $37.60 |
| Fundraiser | $76,270 | $36.67 |
| Labor Relations Specialist | $98,810 | $47.50 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | $55,500 | $26.68 |
| Logistician | $76,400 | $36.73 |
| Accountants and Auditors | $76,910 | $36.98 |
More: Business and Financial Operations Occupations · all salaries in Bismarck, ND
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 Bismarck, ND?
The median salary for cost estimators in the Bismarck, ND metro area is $71,020 a year, or $34.14 an hour. Pay ranges from $48,480 for the lowest-paid 10% to $93,530 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid cost estimators make in Bismarck, ND?
The top 10% of cost estimators in the Bismarck, ND metro area earn at least $93,530 a year. The top 25% earn $77,480 or more.
What is the starting pay for cost estimators in Bismarck, ND?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $48,480 a year, and a quarter of cost estimators earn $60,240 or less.
How many cost estimators work in Bismarck, ND?
About 130 cost estimators are employed in the Bismarck, ND metro area, not counting the self-employed.