Cost Estimators vs Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Cost Estimators professionals earn $19,630 more per year than Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers professionals — that's 34.2% higher. At the 90th percentile, Cost Estimators earns $128,640 compared to $78,800 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
Salary Range Comparison
Cost Estimators$46,330 – $128,640
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$38,640 – $78,800
$38,640$128,640
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Cost Estimators | Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $46,330 | $38,640 | +$7,690 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,830 | $47,230 | +$12,600 |
| Median (50th) | $77,070 | $57,440 | +$19,630 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,630 | $65,520 | +$34,110 |
| 90th Percentile | $128,640 | $78,800 | +$49,840 |
| Mean (Average) | $83,160 | $58,400 | +$24,760 |
Employment Numbers
Cost Estimators
219,530
employed nationwide
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
2,070,480
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 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $65,220 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Cost Estimators or Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
Cost Estimators professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $19,630 (34.2% 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 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $78,800 (90th percentile), with a median of $57,440.
How many Cost Estimators and Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers jobs are there?
There are approximately 219,530 Cost Estimators positions and 2,070,480 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers to Cost Estimators?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Cost Estimators has a median salary of $77,070 while Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers earns $57,440. 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