Cost Estimators pay in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL), the median pay for cost estimators is $40.21 an hour ($83,640 a year). About 4,610 people work in this job there.
That is 6% higher than the U.S. median ($78,740). It is about the same as the Illinois median ($82,750).
Pay range for cost estimators in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $24.38 | $50,720 |
| 25% of workers | $30.92 | $64,320 |
| Half of workers (median) | $40.21 | $83,640 |
| 75% of workers | $52.88 | $109,990 |
| 90% of workers | $67.05 | $139,460 |
Cost Estimators pay in Illinois metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (this page) | $83,640 | 4,610 |
| Springfield | $82,230 | 100 |
| Bloomington | $80,590 | 80 |
| Decatur | $79,230 | 60 |
| Rockford | $76,630 | 160 |
| Peoria | $75,870 | 260 |
| Kankakee | $75,230 | 60 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $63,630 | 60 |
Illinois unemployment rate: 4.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for cost estimators
- Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree (BLS)
- Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: -3.1% over ten years, declining · about 17,600 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Management Analysts | $105,090 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $80,400 |
| Human Resources Specialists | $78,210 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $81,170 |
| Project Management Specialists | $105,320 |
| Buyers and Purchasing Agents | $78,510 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $67,050 |
| Logisticians | $79,900 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.