Cost Estimator salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
Cost Estimators in the Tuscaloosa, AL metro area earn a median of $74,800 a year ($35.96 an hour), based on BLS data for 150 workers.
Pay ranges from $44,720 for the lowest-paid 10% to $104,620 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $78,740. Pay here is about the same as the Alabama statewide median of $74,990. There are 1.3 cost estimators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $74,920, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for cost estimators in Tuscaloosa, AL
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $44,720 | $21.50 |
| 25th percentile | $53,890 | $25.91 |
| Median | $74,800 | $35.96 |
| 75th percentile | $90,540 | $43.53 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $104,620 | $50.30 |
| Average (mean) | $74,920 | $36.02 |
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 | $6,233.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,116.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,876.92 |
| Weekly | $1,438.46 |
| Hourly | $35.96 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL | $79,330 | 810 |
| Huntsville, AL | $78,670 | 350 |
| Mobile, AL | $76,980 | 320 |
| Montgomery, AL | $74,790 | 190 |
| Decatur, AL | $73,650 | 110 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | $72,030 | 100 |
| Gadsden, AL | $69,430 | 30 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $69,200 | 90 |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL | $68,080 | 50 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | $65,670 | 130 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $62,100 | 120 |
| Dothan, AL | $61,400 | 80 |
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 Alabama statewide figures.
Related jobs in Tuscaloosa, AL
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Specialist | $63,220 | $30.39 |
| Buyers and Purchasing Agents | $66,400 | $31.92 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $53,090 | $25.53 |
| Logistician | $85,260 | $40.99 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $79,640 | $38.29 |
| Management Analyst | $99,190 | $47.69 |
| Compliance Officer | $69,950 | $33.63 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $60,260 | $28.97 |
| Fundraiser | $61,180 | $29.41 |
| Project Management Specialist | $93,380 | $44.89 |
| Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators | $74,670 | $35.90 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | $48,870 | $23.49 |
| Accountants and Auditors | $71,690 | $34.47 |
| Loan Officer | $64,080 | $30.81 |
More: Business and Financial Operations Occupations · all salaries in Tuscaloosa, AL
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 Tuscaloosa, AL?
The median salary for cost estimators in the Tuscaloosa, AL metro area is $74,800 a year, or $35.96 an hour. Pay ranges from $44,720 for the lowest-paid 10% to $104,620 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid cost estimators make in Tuscaloosa, AL?
The top 10% of cost estimators in the Tuscaloosa, AL metro area earn at least $104,620 a year. The top 25% earn $90,540 or more.
What is the starting pay for cost estimators in Tuscaloosa, AL?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $44,720 a year, and a quarter of cost estimators earn $53,890 or less.
How many cost estimators work in Tuscaloosa, AL?
About 150 cost estimators are employed in the Tuscaloosa, AL metro area, not counting the self-employed.