Entry-level Cost Estimator salary in Washington, DC
Based on 15 certified H-1B filings at DOL wage level I in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes Reston, Manassas, Sterling, Rockville, Mclean.
Also listed as: Cost Manager
Salary range
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $55,060 |
| 25th | $57,720 |
| 50th (median) | $64,890 |
| 75th | $87,500 |
| 90th | $96,814 |
Cost of living
Washington's median entry-level Cost Estimator salary of $64,890 is worth about $59,600 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Washington = 108.9).
Compared with all workers here
All Cost Estimators in the Washington, DC area earned a median of $89,330 in May 2025 (3,780 employed). The H-1B median here is $64,890, 27% lower.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| IOS Employment | too few | 3 |
| Bechtel Infrastructure and Power | 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 | $64,890 | 15 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $80,000 | 17 |
| Senior · Level III | $93,600 | 13 |
| Expert · Level IV | – | 0 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $54,434 | $64,890 | 15 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $74,901 | $80,000 | 17 |
| Senior · Level III | $91,686 | $93,600 | 13 |
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.