Cost Estimators vs Emergency Management Directors: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Emergency Management Directors professionals earn $9,060 more per year than Cost Estimators professionals — that's 11.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Cost Estimators earns $128,640 compared to $160,420 for Emergency Management Directors.
Salary Range Comparison
Cost Estimators$46,330 – $128,640
Emergency Management Directors$51,260 – $160,420
$46,330$160,420
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Cost Estimators | Emergency Management Directors | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $46,330 | $51,260 | $-4,930 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,830 | $64,470 | $-4,640 |
| Median (50th) | $77,070 | $86,130 | $-9,060 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,630 | $119,690 | $-20,060 |
| 90th Percentile | $128,640 | $160,420 | $-31,780 |
| Mean (Average) | $83,160 | $97,700 | $-14,540 |
Employment Numbers
Cost Estimators
219,530
employed nationwide
Emergency Management Directors
12,570
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Cost Estimators
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $104,190 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $103,030 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $97,990 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $86,540 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $86,300 |
Best Cities for Emergency Management Directors
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $156,950 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $153,910 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $139,630 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $138,970 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $128,860 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Cost Estimators or Emergency Management Directors?
Emergency Management Directors professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $9,060 (11.8% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Cost Estimators?
Cost Estimators salaries range from $46,330 (10th percentile) to $128,640 (90th percentile), with a median of $77,070.
What is the salary range for Emergency Management Directors?
Emergency Management Directors salaries range from $51,260 (10th percentile) to $160,420 (90th percentile), with a median of $86,130.
How many Cost Estimators and Emergency Management Directors jobs are there?
There are approximately 219,530 Cost Estimators positions and 12,570 Emergency Management Directors positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Emergency Management Directors to Cost Estimators?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Cost Estimators has a median salary of $77,070 while Emergency Management Directors earns $86,130. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS