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Cost Analyst Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Coordinates project cost analysis and controls across multiple projects, supporting Project Managers and teams with minimal supervision and strong independent judgment. * Oversees cost reporting ...

Position Summary Join our Finance team as an Operations Cost Analyst and contribute to financial excellence across our manufacturing operations. In this position, you'll collaborate with Operations ...

The 'Should'-Cost Analyst will provide manufacturing technical support to purchased materials and finished parts to assist in meeting cost goals, delivery requirements and contractual requirements ...

Senior Cost Analyst

Columbus, OH · On-site

$78K - $99K/yr

The Cost Analyst will ensure accurate, timely reporting of project costs and production metrics, supporting decision-making across all stages of the project lifecycle. * Partner with project managers ...

Leidos Engineering is seeking an experienced Project Controller/Project Cost Analyst to join our Power Delivery Solutions division. In this role, you will work project managers and engineering leads ...

Provide direct cost estimating and analysis assistance to the Government's formal Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) process. * In recognition of the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 and ...

Provide direct cost estimating and analysis assistance to the Government's formal Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) process. * In recognition of the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 and ...

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Cost Analyst information

See Ohio salary details

$35.2K

$82.1K

$121.2K

How much do cost analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for cost analyst in Ohio is $82,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $95,500.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Cost Analyst jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Cost Analyst jobs in Ohio are:

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Cost Analyst jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Cost Analyst job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Cost Analyst jobs in OH?

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

Infographic showing various Cost Analyst job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,056 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY
Provides project support services in construction of Sewer District projects and facilities, including capital improvements consisting of wastewater treatment and collection system facilities. Compiles financial cost information for large project contracts. Analyzes and evaluates costs for work including pay applications, work orders, deduct orders and change orders. Performs field observations as needed to collect data, observe various field conditions, construction and operational activities. Provides support to construction management on multiple projects simultaneously to maintain flow of change management related documents through various workflows. Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Collaborates with Engineering and Construction (E&C Team) to execute construction change management functions on capital projects.
- Assists in coordinating projects with various utilities, municipalities and agencies.
- Evaluates contractor cost proposals for change/work orders, prepares independent cost estimates for comparison for changes in work and assists with negotiation of the scope and cost of each. Prepares negotiation summary.
- Develops and initiates work order pre-authorizations, work orders, request for proposals and change management workflows on assigned projects.
- Investigates construction claims and assists in the cost negotiations with contractors.
- Delivers training to consultants and contractors to ensure change management standards and procedures are followed.
- Maintains change management log for assigned projects. Collaborates with management on lessons learned and improvements to the contract documents as it relates to change management.
- Participates in construction meetings and leads change management discussions in monthly construction progress meetings.
- Receives, reviews and assists in approval of contractors' schedules of value and construction progress schedules. Assesses the means and methods by which the contractor proposes to construct the award.
- Measures work in place, equipment and material furnished in support of computing progress payments. Reviews requests for payment and recommends approval.
- Drafts simple plan adjustments and prepares field sketches to expedite work progress. Performs calculations and field surveying services in order to monitor work progress. Performs field tests using various gauges, meters and instruments.
- Monitors and reports on work being performed by contractors. Writes daily reports, memos and correspondence.
- Completes project close-out activities through collaboration with the contractor, E&C managers, Technical Service Group (TSG) engineers and the contract compliance group in the development of the final adjusting change order and associated resolution request.
- Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.
MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION
- Candidate must possess a bachelor's degree preferably in Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Technology or a closely related field.
- Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as outlined in the Education Equivalencies Policy.
EXPERIENCE
- Candidate must possess nine (9) years of experience in construction administration, project controls or cost estimating which must include experience analyzing cost data on capital projects.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Candidate must possess a valid driver's license with a driving record in accordance with the Sewer District's acceptable guidelines.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Candidate must possess the ability to interpret and analyze cost data and proposals.
- Candidate must possess the ability to effectively plan, coordinate, establish and maintain effective working relationships and prioritize workloads based on available resources.
- Candidate must possess strong public speaking skills.
- Candidate must possess effective written and verbal communication, organization skills and decision-making abilities.
- Candidate must possess proven application of engineering theory and practices in new construction support. Analysis tasks require reasoning, problem solving and data analysis.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
During the course of performing the essential functions of this position, the employee must be able to analyze, communicate, comprehend, coordinate, make decisions, possess general intelligence, interact, interpret, negotiate, possess numerical intelligence, organize, problem solve, have resilience and perform tasks. Physical work will need to be performed, such as balancing, climbing, driving, sitting, standing, talking, typing and walking. Repetitive movements will need to be performed such as fine manipulation with one hand. Position will require visual demands of accommodation, color vision, depth perception, far acuity and near acuity. Exposure to environmental conditions such as extreme cold/heat (non-weather related), outdoor work, vibrations, wet/humid conditions, work around large machinery, work at heights and work inside confined spaces is encountered in this position.
Pay Range: USD, Commensurate with Experience
$72,700 -$90,875
Our Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Our Accessibility Statement
Our Education Equivalencies Policy
Our Employee Benefits & Wellness Programs
We offer a comprehensive employee benefits package including Health Insurance Coverage, Various Retirement Planning Options (Ohio Public Employee Retirement System and Deferred Compensation Plans), Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Free Parking at our facilities, Corporate Discounts, and more! We also have an active Health & Wellness Program that promotes a life/work balance.
DISCLAIMER: The information outlined in this job description indicates the general nature and type of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities or competencies required of employees within this classification.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.