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Cost Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tecolote Research

Cost Analyst

San Diego, CA · On-site

$55K - $80K/yr

The position requires 2 years of experience in cost analysis/cost estimating. Successful candidates will have excellent communication, quantitative, research, and analytical skills in addition to the ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Cost Analyst

San Diego, CA · On-site

$61K - $141K/yr

Cost Analyst The Opportunity: Do you want to use your financial, analytical, and statistical skills to help the U.S. Navy and other military clients get the most out of their funding to protect our ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Cost Analyst

San Diego, CA · On-site

$61K - $141K/yr

Cost Analyst The Opportunity : Do you want to use your financial, analytical, and statistical skills to help the U.S. Navy and other military clients get the most out of their funding to protect our ...

Archer

Cost Analyst

San Jose, CA · On-site

$83K - $115K/yr

Cost Updates: Manage and establish processes for periodic cost updates and communicate impacts to senior management. * Variance Analysis: Establish and manage standard costs for materials, labor, and ...

Archer

Cost Analyst

San Jose, CA

$83K - $115K/yr

Cost Updates: Manage and establish processes for periodic cost updates and communicate impacts to senior management. * Variance Analysis: Establish and manage standard costs for materials, labor, and ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Cost Analyst

San Diego, CA · On-site

$61K - $141K/yr

Cost Analyst The Opportunity: Do you want to use your financial, analytical, and statistical skills to help the U.S. Navy and other military clients get the most out of their funding to protect our ...

Clayton Homes

Cost Analyst

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$66K/yr

The Cost Analyst Associate position performs variance analysis between actual and standard costs to assist the Cost Analyst and management team in decision making or other financial initiatives. The ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Cost Analyst

San Diego, CA

$61K - $141K/yr

Cost Analyst The Opportunity : Do you want to use your financial, analytical, and statistical skills to help the U.S. Navy and other military clients get the most out of their funding to protect our ...

Ashton Lane Group, Inc

Cost Analyst

Los Angeles, CA

Collect, organize and analyze data regarding actual and projected manufacturing costs, labor, scrap, raw material, and efficiency metrics to determine the cost, trends and effects on the business.

PTI Technologies

Cost Analyst

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$25.21 - $37.81/hr

SUMMARYResponsible for preparing cost estimates submitted in response to Government & Commercial ... LANGUAGE SKILLSAbility to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional ...

PTI Technologies

Cost Analyst

Oxnard, CA · On-site

SUMMARY Responsible for preparing cost estimates submitted in response to Government & Commercial ... LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional ...

PTI Technologies

Cost Analyst

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$25.21 - $37.81/hr

SUMMARY Responsible for preparing cost estimates submitted in response to Government & Commercial ... LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional ...

Cordoba Corporation

Risk Cost Analyst

Sacramento, CA · Hybrid

$70K - $110K/yr

The Risk Cost Analyst role is part of the Project Controls and Project Financial team, supporting the program's risk and cost management activities. This position is responsible for gathering data ...

Cordoba Corporation

Risk Cost Analyst

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

The Risk Cost Analyst role is part of the Project Controls and Project Financial team, supporting the program's risk and cost management activities. This position is responsible for gathering data ...

Cordoba Corporation

Risk Cost Analyst

Sacramento, CA · Hybrid

$70K - $110K/yr

The Risk Cost Analyst role is part of the Project Controls and Project Financial team, supporting the program's risk and cost management activities. This position is responsible for gathering data ...

Tecolote Research

Senior Cost Analyst

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75K - $135K/yr

Overview We are seeking experienced DoD / Navy Cost Analysts to support our recently awarded contract supporting the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) 1.6 Cost Competency. Successful ...

Curtin Maritime

Project Cost Analyst

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

The Opportunity Curtin Maritime is looking for a Cost Analyst to own day-to-day cost tracking and reporting for our dredging projects. Right now, project cost data lives across multiple systems with ...

Luster National

Risk Cost Analyst

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$42 - $57/hr

Luster National is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Risk Cost Analyst to support the financial and risk management efforts behind this historic initiative. This role offers a unique ...

Curtin Maritime

Project Cost Analyst

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

The Opportunity Curtin Maritime is looking for a Cost Analyst to own day-to-day cost tracking and reporting for our dredging projects. Right now, project cost data lives across multiple systems with ...

Tecolote Research

Senior Cost Analyst

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Overview Tecolote Research Inc. is seeking candidates for the role of Space Systems Cost Analyst to support planning and development of cost estimates on a wide variety Department of Defense (DoD ...

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All JobsCost Analyst JobsCost Analyst Jobs in California

Cost Analyst information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$85.2K

$125.8K

How much do cost analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for cost analyst in California is $85,182.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $99,200.00 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 California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,182 per year, or $41 per hour.

Cost Analyst

Tecolote Research

San Diego, CA • On-site

$55K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Overview
We are seeking highly motivated individuals with a strong work ethic to support Department of Defense (DoD) programs and projects. The position requires 2 years of experience in cost analysis/cost estimating. Successful candidates will have excellent communication, quantitative, research, and analytical skills in addition to the following skills/experience.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct cost analyses for Life Cycle Cost Estimates, Program Office budgets, Contract Proposals, and other cost products as requested
  • Develop independent Government cost estimates and ad-hoc estimates as needed
  • Provide analytical support for program controls and reporting, and financial execution and budgets
  • Coordinate and defend results with and across other organizations and contractors

Skills Required
  • 24 semester hours of quantitative course work (mathematics, statistics, engineering, physics, chemistry, etc.) to include three hours of college level calculus
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint)
  • Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, regulations, and best practices pertaining to cost estimating
  • Experience with Life cycle cost estimate development, risk/uncertainty analysis, and model documentation
  • Experience with Spend Plan development and proposal evaluations
  • Ability to obtain a DoD Secret Clearance
  • Salary range: $55,000 - $80,000/Year, DOE

Education
Bachelor's degree required, preferably in math, engineering, business, or the sciences.

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