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Cost Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cost Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Individual will perform a variety of cost and economic analysis. * Work may include cost research, data collection, parametric cost estimating, cost and schedule estimating, life cycle cost analysis ...

Cost Analyst Location: Huntsville, AL ( Onsite) Duration : Full Time Pay : $79k/yr - 110k/yr on W2 The client is seeking motivated professionals to support dynamic U.S. Army acquisition efforts in a ...

Cost Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Individual will perform a variety of cost and economic analysis. * Work may include cost research, data collection, parametric cost estimating, cost and schedule estimating, life cycle cost analysis ...

Cost Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Individual will perform a variety of cost and economic analysis. * Work may include cost research, data collection, parametric cost estimating, cost and schedule estimating, life cycle cost analysis ...

Perform cost analysis work. Work will include mastery of integrated cost analysis and cost estimating for life cycle cost estimate development, procurement, and operations as it relates to Research ...

Cost Analyst

Englewood Cliffs, NJ · On-site

$76K - $93K/yr

Cost Analyst Position Level: Assistant Manager ~ Manager OVERALL SUMMARY OF THE POSITION The Cost Analyst serves as a key business partner to senior management, including the planning and finance ...

We are seeking a Cost Analyst to support the Department of State IT Governance Support Services Bureau of Consular Affairs. This position supports the decision-making framework for addressing several ...

Perform cost analysis work. Work will include mastery of integrated cost analysis and cost estimating for life cycle cost estimate development, procurement, and operations as it relates to Research ...

Cost Analyst

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

We have an upcoming need for a Senior Cost Analyst to provide hybrid support out of Washington, DC. Responsibilities The candidate will serve as primary point-of-contact for cost related activities ...

Cost Analyst

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

We have an upcoming need for a Senior Cost Analyst to provide hybrid support out of Washington, DC. Responsibilities The candidate will serve as primary point-of-contact for cost related activities ...

Cost Analyst Location: Houston, TXJob Overview We are seeking two highly motivated entry-level Cost Analysts to join our team in Houston, TX. This role will provide key support in analyzing and ...

Cost Analyst

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD · On-site

$66K - $157K/yr

Perform cost analysis work. Work will include mastery of integrated cost analysis and cost estimating for life cycle cost estimate development, procurement, and operations as it relates to Research ...

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COST Analyst information

See salary details

$37K

$86.3K

$127.5K

How much do cost analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for cost analyst in the United States is $86,312.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $100,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cost analyst do?

A Cost Analyst is responsible for examining and managing the costs associated with a company's operations, products, or projects. They analyze financial data, prepare cost reports, and work to identify areas where expenses can be reduced without compromising quality. Cost Analysts often collaborate with other departments to ensure budget adherence and provide recommendations for cost-saving strategies. Their work helps organizations make informed financial decisions and improve profitability.

What does a cost analyst do?

A cost analyst helps their company control expenses through financial research and analysis. In this job, your duties include analyzing the difference between company costs and standard costs, developing budgets, auditing financial transactions, conducting market research, and preparing reports for company leadership. One of your goals is to determine how to lower costs for the company. The qualifications for a career as a cost analyst include a bachelor’s degree in business administration or accounting, experience in cost accounting, and excellent analytical skills. Some employers may also require you to be a certified public accountant (CPA) to qualify for this job.

What are some common challenges faced by cost analysts in managing project budgets, and how can they be addressed?

Cost Analysts often encounter challenges such as incomplete data, shifting project scopes, and unexpected expenses that can impact budget accuracy. To address these issues, it's important to maintain clear communication with project managers and department heads, use reliable forecasting tools, and regularly review financial reports for discrepancies. Proactively identifying potential cost overruns and suggesting corrective actions helps ensure projects stay within budget and meet organizational financial goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cost analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cost Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, a solid grasp of accounting principles, and typically a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Proficiency in Excel, ERP systems (like SAP), and cost accounting software, along with certifications such as CMA (Certified Management Accountant), are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting data and presenting findings to stakeholders. These competencies are essential for delivering accurate cost analyses that support informed business decisions and enhance organizational efficiency.

What is the difference between Cost Analyst vs Financial Analyst?

AspectCost AnalystFinancial Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in finance, accounting, or related field; often certifications like CMA or CPABachelor's in finance, economics, or related; certifications like CFA are common
Work EnvironmentCorporate finance, manufacturing, or government agencies focusing on cost controlInvestment firms, banks, or corporate finance departments analyzing financial data
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries with cost management needs such as manufacturing and logisticsUsed across finance sectors including banking, investment, and corporate finance

The main difference between a Cost Analyst and a Financial Analyst lies in their focus areas. Cost Analysts primarily concentrate on controlling and reducing costs within organizations, often working closely with operations. Financial Analysts analyze financial data to guide investment and business decisions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

How much does a cost analyst make?

The average salary for a cost analyst is around $65,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions typically start lower, while experienced analysts or those with specialized skills can earn over $85,000 annually.

What degree do you need to be a cost analyst?

A cost analyst typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field. Some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or professional certifications such as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Strong analytical skills and proficiency with spreadsheets and data analysis tools are also important.

What cities are hiring for Cost Analyst jobs?

Cities with the most Cost Analyst job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cost Analyst jobs?

The most popular types of Cost Analyst jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Cost Analyst jobs?

The top employers for Cost Analyst jobs are:

What states have the most Cost Analyst jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cost Analyst jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Cost Analyst jobs?

For Cost Analyst jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cost Analyst job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,312 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

Systems Technology & Research, Inc. (STaR) is seeking a Cost Analyst in the Huntsville, AL area to support an Army Aviation Project Office located at Redstone Arsenal, AL. The successful candidate should be a highly motivated self-starter capable of managing multiple tasks and efforts. Responsibilities include but are not limited to leading cost estimating activities, guiding program cost strategy, and providing expert-level analytical insights to government stakeholders and executive leadership. This role requires strong technical proficiency in cost modeling, lifecycle cost analysis, and risk assessment, with the ability to communicate complex financial and engineering data clearly and effectively. The Cost Analyst serves as a subject-matter expert, mentor, and key contributor to program cost decisions. This opportunity is an in-person/on-site position.

Qualifications/Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree required with 5 years of relevant Program Office experience
  • Working knowledge of Department of War (DoW) acquisition policies and the DoW acquisition and project management process
  • Knowledge of overall life cycle cost analysis and economic analysis functions to include cost modeling, development of cost estimating methodologies and their applications, and estimating the cost of major weapon systems
  • Ability to learn and develop skills in maintaining a standardized life cycle cost model for project managers and cost analysis personnel for use in preparing baseline cost and independent cost estimates
  • Ability to understand technical baselines and formulate technical judgments
  • Ability to translate technical and financial risk into cost estimates including risk application to provide estimate confidence, along with budgeting, planning, programing budgeting systems, the acquisition process, and logistics support processes
  • Ability to learn and develop skills in applying complex mathematical and statistical theories, principles, and practices of operations research for application to the development and adjustment of Cost Estimating Relationships, relating cost to physical and performance variables by mathematical expressions such as regression analysis, sensitivity analysis, trend analysis, and uncertainty analysis
  • Ability to learn and develop skills in life cycle cost analysis methodology and mathematical modeling for major studies required to provide management with alternative solutions to problems for assigned weapon systems
  • Strong understanding of program management principles and practices
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, occasionally in the absence of direct oversight
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
  • Familiarity of Microsoft Programs, to include, but not limited to Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, etc.
  • Possess an active DoW SECRET security clearance or the ability to obtain

Responsibilities:

  • Support program office and life-cycle cost estimate activities
  • Apply operations research/statistical/mathematical methodologies and techniques to develop cost positions/independent government cost estimates
  • Collect, normalize, and analyze complex data; uses critical thinking to synthesize information from multiple sources and effectively capture analyzed data in an understandable format such as Microsoft Excel or PowerPoint
  • Assist in forecasting future funding needs
  • Conduct research and analysis of studies designed to produce effective and efficient cost analysis within an assigned area.
  • Analyze and apply current procedures, policies, directives
  • Identify areas of analysis and formulate basic study objectives based on current cost review policies and cost objectives
  • Perform data evaluation, produce reports, and present findings to management with recommendations
  • Work and communicate effectively both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment reacting quickly to changing requirements and schedules
  • Comprehend Statements of Work, Performance Work Statements, Performance Specifications, Contract Data Requirement Listings, Earned Value data, and related DoW contractual documents

Systems Technology & Research, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) with respect to employment opportunities. For more information go to U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, we are additionally committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure all qualified applicants have the ability to be considered for employment. If a disability prevents you from participating in any step of the hiring process, please contact our HR team at hr@star-hq.com to request reasonable accommodation.