Cost Estimator salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
Cost Estimators in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area earn a median of $78,310 a year ($37.65 an hour), based on BLS data for 330 workers.
Pay ranges from $45,420 for the lowest-paid 10% to $126,650 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $78,740. Pay here is about the same as the Michigan statewide median of $77,990. There are 1.5 cost estimators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $82,420, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for cost estimators in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $45,420 | $21.84 |
| 25th percentile | $59,990 | $28.84 |
| Median | $78,310 | $37.65 |
| 75th percentile | $99,770 | $47.96 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $126,650 | $60.89 |
| Average (mean) | $82,420 | $39.63 |
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 | $6,525.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,262.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,011.92 |
| Weekly | $1,505.96 |
| Hourly | $37.65 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $78,310 salary, see how much house you can afford in Michigan at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Cost Estimator salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | $80,550 | 180 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $80,200 | 3,400 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $77,780 | 220 |
| Flint, MI | $76,250 | 200 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $76,030 | 1,100 |
| Saginaw, MI | $75,940 | 160 |
| Battle Creek, MI | $74,720 | 50 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $74,010 | 80 |
| Jackson, MI | $73,650 | 70 |
| Monroe, MI | $72,970 | 70 |
| Bay City, MI | $71,660 | 50 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $71,550 | 170 |
| Niles, MI | $70,720 | 70 |
| Midland, MI | $69,990 | 60 |
| Traverse City, MI | $63,070 | 140 |
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 Michigan statewide figures.
Related jobs in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $82,940 | $39.88 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $72,490 | $34.85 |
| Project Management Specialist | $97,050 | $46.66 |
| Management Analyst | $80,580 | $38.74 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $64,690 | $31.10 |
| Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators | $79,510 | $38.23 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $65,110 | $31.31 |
| Compliance Officer | $79,640 | $38.29 |
| Buyers and Purchasing Agents | $71,720 | $34.48 |
| Logistician | $72,740 | $34.97 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | $60,130 | $28.91 |
| Fundraiser | $73,540 | $35.36 |
| Labor Relations Specialist | $60,880 | $29.27 |
| Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $77,620 | $37.32 |
More: Business and Financial Operations Occupations · all salaries in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
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 Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
The median salary for cost estimators in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area is $78,310 a year, or $37.65 an hour. Pay ranges from $45,420 for the lowest-paid 10% to $126,650 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid cost estimators make in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
The top 10% of cost estimators in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area earn at least $126,650 a year. The top 25% earn $99,770 or more.
What is the starting pay for cost estimators in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $45,420 a year, and a quarter of cost estimators earn $59,990 or less.
How many cost estimators work in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
About 330 cost estimators are employed in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area, not counting the self-employed.