Cost Estimator salary in North Dakota
Cost Estimators in North Dakota earn a median of $73,280 a year ($35.23 an hour), based on BLS data for 730 workers.
Pay ranges from $52,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $104,050 for the top 10%. That is 7% lower than the national median of $78,740. North Dakota ranks 45th of 51 states for cost estimators pay. There are 1.7 cost estimators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $77,540, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for cost estimators in North Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $52,730 | $25.35 |
| 25th percentile | $61,010 | $29.33 |
| Median | $73,280 | $35.23 |
| 75th percentile | $85,940 | $41.32 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $104,050 | $50.02 |
| Average (mean) | $77,540 | $37.28 |
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 | $6,106.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,053.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,818.46 |
| Weekly | $1,409.23 |
| Hourly | $35.23 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Cost Estimator salary in cities in North Dakota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Minot, ND | $74,990 | 40 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $73,760 | 320 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $73,310 | 90 |
| Bismarck, ND | $71,020 | 130 |
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 |
Related jobs in North Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Project Management Specialist | $96,160 | $46.23 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $80,500 | $38.70 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $75,630 | $36.36 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $61,580 | $29.61 |
| Compliance Officer | $79,440 | $38.19 |
| Buyers and Purchasing Agents | $76,400 | $36.73 |
| Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators | $65,460 | $31.47 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $63,260 | $30.41 |
| Fundraiser | $76,040 | $36.56 |
| Logistician | $72,800 | $35.00 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | $51,700 | $24.86 |
| Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $70,480 | $33.88 |
| Labor Relations Specialist | $101,220 | $48.66 |
| Management Analyst | $90,220 | $43.38 |
More: Business and Financial Operations Occupations · all salaries in North Dakota
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 North Dakota?
The median salary for cost estimators in North Dakota is $73,280 a year, or $35.23 an hour. Pay ranges from $52,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $104,050 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid cost estimators make in North Dakota?
The top 10% of cost estimators in North Dakota earn at least $104,050 a year. The top 25% earn $85,940 or more.
What is the starting pay for cost estimators in North Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $52,730 a year, and a quarter of cost estimators earn $61,010 or less.
How many cost estimators work in North Dakota?
About 730 cost estimators are employed in North Dakota, not counting the self-employed.