Cost Estimator salary in Columbia, MO
Cost Estimators in the Columbia, MO metro area earn a median of $68,610 a year ($32.98 an hour), based on BLS data for 160 workers.
Pay ranges from $41,400 for the lowest-paid 10% to $121,930 for the top 10%. That is 13% lower than the national median of $78,740. Pay here is 10% lower than the Missouri statewide median of $76,020. There are 1.5 cost estimators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $74,630, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for cost estimators in Columbia, MO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $41,400 | $19.90 |
| 25th percentile | $49,990 | $24.04 |
| Median | $68,610 | $32.98 |
| 75th percentile | $94,230 | $45.30 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $121,930 | $58.62 |
| Average (mean) | $74,630 | $35.88 |
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 | $5,717.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,858.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,638.85 |
| Weekly | $1,319.42 |
| Hourly | $32.98 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $78,940 | 2,290 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $78,730 | 3,170 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $78,530 | 100 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $77,770 | 70 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $69,430 | 200 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $65,360 | 200 |
| Springfield, MO | $64,160 | 560 |
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 Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, MO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $61,600 | $29.61 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $63,360 | $30.46 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $64,720 | $31.12 |
| Project Management Specialist | $80,870 | $38.88 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $54,440 | $26.17 |
| Management Analyst | $84,870 | $40.80 |
| Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators | $64,250 | $30.89 |
| Compliance Officer | $65,390 | $31.44 |
| Buyers and Purchasing Agents | $58,260 | $28.01 |
| Logistician | $72,180 | $34.70 |
| Fundraiser | $61,030 | $29.34 |
| Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $63,790 | $30.67 |
| Accountants and Auditors | $73,070 | $35.13 |
| Loan Officer | $81,850 | $39.35 |
More: Business and Financial Operations Occupations · all salaries in Columbia, MO
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 Columbia, MO?
The median salary for cost estimators in the Columbia, MO metro area is $68,610 a year, or $32.98 an hour. Pay ranges from $41,400 for the lowest-paid 10% to $121,930 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid cost estimators make in Columbia, MO?
The top 10% of cost estimators in the Columbia, MO metro area earn at least $121,930 a year. The top 25% earn $94,230 or more.
What is the starting pay for cost estimators in Columbia, MO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $41,400 a year, and a quarter of cost estimators earn $49,990 or less.
How many cost estimators work in Columbia, MO?
About 160 cost estimators are employed in the Columbia, MO metro area, not counting the self-employed.