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Assistant Project Estimator Salary in California

How much does an Assistant Project Estimator make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Project Estimator in California is $131,762 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $154,712
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $118,376 to $143,775
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $106,189
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Assistant Project Estimator Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Assistant Project Estimator Salaries

An Assistant Project Estimator'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 Project Estimator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant Project Estimator'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): $84,505
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $105,623
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $129,260
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $145,593
  • Expert (over 8 years): $171,701
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Project Manager I less than 1 year $84,505
Project Manager II 1-2 years $105,623
Assistant Project Estimator 2-4 years $129,260
Project Manager IV 5-8 years $145,593
Project Manager V over 8 years $171,701

How Do Assistant Project Estimator 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 Project Estimators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $132,264.
  • California: $131,762.
  • Massachusetts: $130,006.

Top Paying Cities for Assistant Project Estimator

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: $131,989
  • West Hollywood: $131,894
  • Dodgertown: $131,988

Assistant Project Estimator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Assistant Project Estimator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Assistant Project Estimator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assistant Project Estimator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Assistant Project Estimator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet $158,115 $76.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $158,115 $76.0 20%
Financial Services $151,527 $73.0 15%
Software & Networking $151,527 $73.0 15%
Biotechnology $144,938 $70.0 10%

Assistant Project Estimator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Assistant Project Estimator'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
$118,376
Average $131,762/year
$143,775
$9,865
Average $10,980/month
$11,981
$2,276
Average $2,534/week
$2,765
$57
Average $63/hour
$69
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $143,775 $11,981 $2,765 $69
Average $131,762 $10,980 $2,534 $63
25th Percentile $118,376 $9,865 $2,276 $57

Find Your Next Assistant Project Estimator Job

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

  • ISN Global Enterprises, Inc. | Claremont, CA

    Project Estimator

    ISN Global Enterprises, Inc. | Claremont, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Department. Sales. Reports To. Executive Vice President. Location. Claremont, CA. Position Overview. We are seeking a hig... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Orion Placement | Alameda, CA

    Project Estimator

    Orion Placement | Alameda, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Pay. $95,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year. Why This Is a Great Opportunity. Join a growing specialty construction team where... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Mechanics & Body Shops Marketplace | Danville, CA

    Construction Project Scheduler Estimator

    Mechanics & Body Shops Marketplace | Danville, CA

    Construction Estimator/SchedulerWe are the Tri-Valley's premier residential design, build and remodeling company based in Danville, CA. We specialize in pr... more

    7 Days Ago

  • MFSTalent | San Jose, CA

    Associate Project Manager Estimator

    MFSTalent | San Jose, CA

    Job DescriptionRole OverviewMFS Construction is a boutique commercial construction company specializing in healthcare and laboratory tenant improvement pro... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Agc Builders Group | La Jolla, CA

    Estimator Project Manager

    Agc Builders Group | La Jolla, CA

    Overview We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Estimator/Project Manager to join our growing construction team.This role combines the strategic plan... more

    9 Days Ago

  • CalPortland | Santa Maria, CA

    Estimator Project Manager

    CalPortland | Santa Maria, CA

    Job Summary The Senior Project Manager is responsible for pre-bid take-off, estimating, project setup, project coordination, cost information, and project ... more

    9 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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