Cost Estimators vs Social and Community Service Managers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Social and Community Service Managers professionals earn $1,170 more per year than Cost Estimators professionals — that's 1.5% higher. At the 90th percentile, Cost Estimators earns $128,640 compared to $129,820 for Social and Community Service Managers.
Salary Range Comparison
Cost Estimators$46,330 – $128,640
Social and Community Service Managers$50,020 – $129,820
$46,330$129,820
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Cost Estimators | Social and Community Service Managers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $46,330 | $50,020 | $-3,690 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,830 | $62,420 | $-2,590 |
| Median (50th) | $77,070 | $78,240 | $-1,170 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,630 | $100,600 | $-970 |
| 90th Percentile | $128,640 | $129,820 | $-1,180 |
| Mean (Average) | $83,160 | $86,100 | $-2,940 |
Employment Numbers
Cost Estimators
219,530
employed nationwide
Social and Community Service Managers
195,490
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 Social and Community Service Managers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Richmond, VA | $104,410 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $102,250 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $101,210 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $98,300 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $97,750 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Cost Estimators or Social and Community Service Managers?
Social and Community Service Managers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $1,170 (1.5% 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 Social and Community Service Managers?
Social and Community Service Managers salaries range from $50,020 (10th percentile) to $129,820 (90th percentile), with a median of $78,240.
How many Cost Estimators and Social and Community Service Managers jobs are there?
There are approximately 219,530 Cost Estimators positions and 195,490 Social and Community Service Managers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Social and Community Service Managers to Cost Estimators?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Cost Estimators has a median salary of $77,070 while Social and Community Service Managers earns $78,240. 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