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Design Estimator Salary in the United States

How much does a Design Estimator make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Design Estimator in the United States is $90,406 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $104,519
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $79,699 to $97,793
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $69,951
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Design Estimator Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Design Estimator Salaries

A Design 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 Design Estimator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Design 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): $142,895
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $168,661
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $88,867
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $125,195
  • Expert (over 8 years): $142,554
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Cost Estimation Analyst IV less than 1 year $142,895
Cost Estimation Analyst V 1-2 years $168,661
Design Estimator 2-4 years $88,867
Cost Estimating Senior Supervisor 5-8 years $125,195
Cost Estimating Manager over 8 years $142,554

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

  • District of Columbia: $100,097.
  • California: $99,717.
  • Massachusetts: $98,388.

Top Paying Cities for Design 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:

  • San Jose: $114,029
  • San Francisco: $112,780
  • Oakland: $110,403

Design Estimator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Design Estimator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 63% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Design Estimator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Design Estimator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Design Estimator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals $108,487 $52.0 20%
Software & Networking $106,679 $51.0 18%
Biotechnology $103,966 $50.0 15%
Financial Services $101,254 $49.0 12%
Energy & Utilities $99,446 $48.0 10%

Design Estimator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Design 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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$79,699
Average $90,406/year
$97,793
$6,642
Average $7,534/month
$8,149
$1,533
Average $1,739/week
$1,881
$38
Average $43/hour
$47
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $97,793 $8,149 $1,881 $47
Average $90,406 $7,534 $1,739 $43
25th Percentile $79,699 $6,642 $1,533 $38

Most common benefits for Design Estimator

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Design Estimator

Here are companies hiring for Design Estimator and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Design Estimator Job

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

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FAQ about Design Estimator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Design Estimator?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Design Estimator roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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