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Cost Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tecolote Research

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 ...

Tecolote Research

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 ...

Instant Serve LLC

Cost Analyst

Huntsville, AL · On-site

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 ...

RSC2

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 ...

Tecolote Research

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 ...

DHD Consulting

Cost Analyst

Englewood Cliffs, NJ

$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 ...

RSC2 INC

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 ...

Ryde Technologies, LLC

Cost Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site

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 ...

Foxconn Assembly LLC

Cost Analyst

Houston, TX · On-site

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 ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

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 ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

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 ...

RSC2, Inc

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

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$37K

$86.3K

$127.5K

How much do cost analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 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.
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Cost Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cost Analyst job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,312 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Cost Analyst

Christopher O'Keeffe CPA LLC

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

O'KEEFFECPA & Associates is seeking a Cost Analyst to join a high performing team in support of a large DoD (Army) Program.
Job Description
Provide financial/economic/cost analysis services as a member of the project team providing program management support services to the project manager. Develop and maintain cost documents in accordance with DoD Acquisition Management policies and procedures. Documents may include Cost Analysis Requirements Documents (CARD), Economic Analysis Development Plans (EADP), and Economic Analyses (EA). Perform scenario and affordability analysis to include excursions and sensitivity analysis using historical performance measures, cost models, and program metrics. Work closely with program and acquisition managers in the development of acquisition strategies, analyses, plans, and documents. Provide cost analysis services in support of program business management services. Conduct internal cost and budgeting analyses and independent government cost estimates for contracting actions. Audit vendor pricing, billing, costing, and scheduling projections and work breakdown structures. Provide information updates/presentations to various executive offices within and outside of the program.
Qualifications
• Ten (10) + years of experience as a Operations Cost/Financial analysis.
• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Mathematics, Economics, Accounting, Statistics, Operations Research or other business-related disciplines.
• Prior cost analyst experience in support of DoD acquisition programs preferred but not mandatory.
• Highly proficient using MS Office applications, especially Excel.
• Experience using the Automated Cost Estimating Integrated Tools (ACEIT) or equivalent cost estimating parametric applications also preferred.
• Active Secret Clearance.
Additional information
O'KeeffeCPA & Associates is committed to the fair treatment of all and to our policy of providing applicants and employees with equal employment opportunities.
O'KeeffeCPA & Associates recruits, hires, trains, and promotes people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other factors protected by applicable law. We welcome applications for employment from qualified disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and other covered veterans.

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