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Assistant Cost Engineer Salary in California

How much does an Assistant Cost Engineer make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Cost Engineer in California is $63,937 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

However, an Assistant Cost Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $83,606
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $55,484 to $74,232
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $47,788
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Assistant Cost Engineer Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Assistant Cost Engineer Salaries

An Assistant Cost Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Assistant Cost Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant Cost Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $58,960
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $59,604
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $60,505
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $64,223
  • Expert (over 8 years): $66,082
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Assistant Cost Engineer less than 1 year $58,960
Early Career Level Assistant Cost Engineer 1-2 years $59,604
Mid-Level Level Assistant Cost Engineer 2-4 years $60,505
Senior-Level Level Assistant Cost Engineer 5-8 years $64,223
Expert Level Assistant Cost Engineer over 8 years $66,082

How Do Assistant Cost Engineer Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Assistant Cost Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $64,181.
  • California: $63,937.
  • Massachusetts: $63,085.

Top Paying Cities for Assistant Cost Engineer

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $64,047
  • West Hollywood: $64,001
  • Dodgertown: $64,047

Assistant Cost Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Assistant Cost Engineer roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 10% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't., offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Assistant Cost Engineer positions in Nonprofit. typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Assistant Cost Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Assistant Cost Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. $70,331 $34.0 10%

Assistant Cost Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Assistant Cost Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$55,484
Average $63,937/year
$74,232
$4,624
Average $5,328/month
$6,186
$1,067
Average $1,230/week
$1,428
$27
Average $31/hour
$36
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $74,232 $6,186 $1,428 $36
Average $63,937 $5,328 $1,230 $31
25th Percentile $55,484 $4,624 $1,067 $27

Find Your Next Assistant Cost Engineer Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Assistant Cost Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • PM2CM | Rosemead, CA

    Senior Cost Engineer

    PM2CM | Rosemead, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Wednesday and Thursday working in Rosemead, CA. Key Responsibilities. Cost Management. Oversee cost control functions for... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Zoox | Foster City, CA

    Senior Staff Cost Engineer

    Zoox | Foster City, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. As a Senior Cost Engineer, you will support the Vehicle Program team by taking ownership of the Vehicle BOM cost and inve... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Epirus | Torrance, CA

    Principal Cost Engineer

    Epirus | Torrance, CA

    Job Description. Job Description.  . About Epirus . Epirus is a high-growth technology company developing solid-state, software-defined directed energy sys... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Level 10 Construction | Sunnyvale, CA

    Sr Cost Engineer

    Level 10 Construction | Sunnyvale, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. We are looking for a flexible, detail-oriented team player with the ability to manage multiple tasks, produce quality wor... more

    7 Days Ago

  • S+B James Construction | Sacramento, CA

    Sr Cost Engineer

    S+B James Construction | Sacramento, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Are you tired of managing the same types of projects over and over with no opportunities for growth or diversity. Look no... more

    7 Days Ago

  • PM2CM | Riverside, CA

    Cost Engineer Hybrid

    PM2CM | Riverside, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. PM2CM, Inc., (Project Management to Construction Management) is a professional services company dedicated to providing Pr... more

    8 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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