Cost Estimator salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Cost Estimators in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $78,500 a year ($37.74 an hour), based on BLS data for 550 workers.
Pay ranges from $48,940 for the lowest-paid 10% to $121,400 for the top 10%. That is about the same as the national median of $78,740. Pay here is 3% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $76,040. There are 1.4 cost estimators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $79,690, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for cost estimators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,940 | $23.53 |
| 25th percentile | $59,490 | $28.60 |
| Median | $78,500 | $37.74 |
| 75th percentile | $94,740 | $45.55 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $121,400 | $58.36 |
| Average (mean) | $79,690 | $38.31 |
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 | $6,541.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,270.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,019.23 |
| Weekly | $1,509.62 |
| Hourly | $37.74 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Dubuque, IA | $82,940 | 80 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $78,530 | 190 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $77,070 | 120 |
| Ames, IA | $76,920 | 50 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $76,350 | 730 |
| Iowa City, IA | $75,070 | 90 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $72,050 | 70 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $65,000 | 260 |
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 Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $86,540 | $41.61 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $76,580 | $36.82 |
| Project Management Specialist | $101,150 | $48.63 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $71,600 | $34.42 |
| Management Analyst | $90,730 | $43.62 |
| Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators | $73,710 | $35.44 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $74,610 | $35.87 |
| Compliance Officer | $84,590 | $40.67 |
| Buyers and Purchasing Agents | $73,710 | $35.44 |
| Logistician | $77,860 | $37.43 |
| Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $77,990 | $37.50 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | $60,410 | $29.04 |
| Fundraiser | $65,060 | $31.28 |
| Labor Relations Specialist | $81,960 | $39.40 |
More: Business and Financial Operations Occupations · all salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for cost estimators in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $78,500 a year, or $37.74 an hour. Pay ranges from $48,940 for the lowest-paid 10% to $121,400 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid cost estimators make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of cost estimators in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $121,400 a year. The top 25% earn $94,740 or more.
What is the starting pay for cost estimators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $48,940 a year, and a quarter of cost estimators earn $59,490 or less.
How many cost estimators work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 550 cost estimators are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.