Expert Cost Estimator salary in Chicago, IL
Based on 17 certified H-1B filings at DOL wage level IV in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes Westmont, Elk Grove Village, Aurora, Bridgeview, Franklin Park.
Also listed as: Cost Manager
Salary range
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $100,547 |
| 25th | $100,547 |
| 50th (median) | $111,005 |
| 75th | $130,000 |
| 90th | $144,000 |
Cost of living
Chicago's median expert Cost Estimator salary of $111,005 is worth about $107,200 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Chicago = 103.6).
Compared with all workers here
All Cost Estimators in the Chicago, IL area earned a median of $83,640 in May 2025 (4,610 employed). The H-1B median here is $111,005, 33% higher.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metropolitan area estimates. BLS wages include some incentive pay; H-1B figures are base salary.
Employers filing at this level
| Employer | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| J.T. Magen & Company | too few | 2 |
Employers with at least 2 filings here. Median shown at 10+ filings.
By experience level
| Wage level | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | – | 0 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $72,176 | 26 |
| Senior · Level III | $110,250 | 19 |
| Expert · Level IV | $111,005 | 17 |
Median shown when a level has at least 10 filings.
Minimum H-1B salary by level
| Wage level | Prevailing wage (most common) | Median offered salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-level · Level II | $69,451 | $72,176 | 26 |
| Senior · Level III | $84,989 | $110,250 | 19 |
| Expert · Level IV | $100,547 | $111,005 | 17 |
The prevailing wage is the minimum an employer must pay for this job and area. Amounts vary by county within a metro and by wage source.