How much does a Cost Analyst make?
A Cost Analyst helps companies understand their spending. This person looks at expenses and finds ways to save money. They use data to show how much projects cost. The good news is that Cost Analysts often earn a decent salary.
On average, a Cost Analyst makes around $91,000 a year. This number can change based on experience and location. Here are some more details:
- The lowest 10% earn about $45,000 a year.
- The top 10% earn over $160,000 a year.
- Most Cost Analysts earn between $65,000 and $129,000 each year.
This career offers good pay and many opportunities for growth. A Cost Analyst can move up to higher positions with more responsibilities and higher pay.
What are the highest paying cities for a Cost Analyst?

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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $114,244
Chicago offers a thriving job market for those analyzing costs. The city's diverse industries provide ample opportunity for cost analysts. Companies like Boeing and United Airlines regularly seek skilled professionals.
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Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $109,321
In Colorado Springs, cost analysts find opportunities in the aerospace and defense sectors. The city's growing economy supports numerous projects. Firms like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman need experts to manage budgets.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $107,913
Los Angeles presents a bustling environment for cost analysts. The entertainment industry leads in job openings. Major companies like Disney and Warner Bros. hire analysts to keep projects on track.
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Huntsville, AL
Average Salary: $105,752
Huntsville boasts a strong demand for cost analysts in the defense and tech sectors. The presence of NASA and various tech firms creates numerous job opportunities. Professionals here often work on high-profile projects.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $105,748
Working as a cost analyst in Washington, DC, offers a unique mix of government and private sector jobs. The capital city needs experts to manage federal contracts. Companies like Leidos and General Dynamics often seek skilled analysts.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $102,578
San Diego provides a dynamic job market for cost analysts. The city's focus on biotech and defense industries is growing. Firms like Qualcomm and General Atomics look for professionals to manage costs effectively.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $98,142
In Sacramento, cost analysts find opportunities in both government and private sectors. The state capital needs experts to manage budgets. Companies like Bank of America and Wells Fargo offer positions for skilled analysts.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $90,865
Houston offers a robust market for cost analysts, especially in the energy sector. The city's role as an energy hub creates many job openings. Major firms like ExxonMobil and Chevron regularly hire professionals.
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Orlando, FL
Average Salary: $83,810
Orlando's job market for cost analysts is expanding, with a focus on tourism and entertainment. The presence of Disney and Universal Studios drives demand. Companies in these sectors need experts to manage costs.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $80,849
Philadelphia provides a mix of opportunities for cost analysts in healthcare and education. The city's large institutions, like the University of Pennsylvania, need professionals to manage budgets. Healthcare firms also seek skilled analysts.
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What are the best companies a Cost Analyst can work for?

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Sargent & Lundy
Average Salary: $148,362
Sargent & Lundy offers exciting roles for Cost Analysts. They focus on engineering, construction, and consulting services for power plants and energy infrastructure. Locations include Chicago, Houston, and Charlotte.
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Odyssey Systems Consulting Group
Average Salary: $114,545
Odyssey Systems Consulting Group provides services to the energy, healthcare, and aerospace sectors. They need Cost Analysts to manage budgets and costs for projects. They work from their offices in Fairfax and New York City.
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Booz Allen Hamilton
Average Salary: $109,480
Booz Allen Hamilton is a consulting firm that helps government and private sectors. Cost Analysts here analyze project costs and work in cities like Arlington, Washington D.C., and San Antonio.
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Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $104,182
Northrop Grumman works in aerospace and defense. They have many locations across the U.S. Cost Analysts here manage project costs and budgets.
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NiSource
Average Salary: $103,475
NiSource operates in energy distribution and transmission. They need Cost Analysts in locations like Merrillville and Indianapolis.
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Eversource Energy
Average Salary: $98,781
Eversource Energy is in the energy sector, providing electricity and natural gas. Cost Analysts here manage energy costs. They operate in Hartford and Connecticut.
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American Electric Power
Average Salary: $86,936
American Electric Power offers jobs for Cost Analysts in energy production. They work in locations like Columbus and Charleston.
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Power Home Remodeling
Average Salary: $59,000
Power Home Remodeling offers renovation services. Cost Analysts here manage renovation budgets. They operate in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.
How to earn more as a Cost Analyst?
A Cost Analyst can increase their earnings by focusing on key areas that improve their expertise and marketability. Gaining additional certifications and industry-specific training can set a Cost Analyst apart. These credentials can validate their skills and knowledge, making them more attractive to potential employers. Networking with other professionals in the field can open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Attending industry conferences and joining professional organizations can provide valuable connections and insights.
Experience and specialization play a crucial role in earning more as a Cost Analyst. Those with more years in the field often command higher salaries. Specializing in a particular industry, such as construction, healthcare, or manufacturing, can make a Cost Analyst more valuable. Employers may be willing to pay more for specialized knowledge that directly benefits their operations. Continuously learning and adapting to new tools and technologies can also enhance a Cost Analyst's effectiveness and earning potential.
To earn more, consider these factors:
- Gain additional certifications and training
- Network with industry professionals
- Gain more experience and specialize in an industry
- Stay updated with new tools and technologies
- Seek out performance-based incentives and bonuses



