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Cost Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Epirus

Principal Cost Engineer

Torrance, CA

$138K - $164K/yr

Epirus is seeking a Principal Cost Engineer responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining a comprehensive data capture and cost evaluation program to quantify and optimize the total life ...

PM2CM

Cost Engineer Hybrid-Remote

Anaheim, CA · On-site

WE ARE HIRING JUNIOR LEVEL COST ENGINEERS WITH 1 OR MORE YEARS OF WORK EXPERIENCE TO WORK ON ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS WITH ONE OF THE LARGEST UTILITIES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. THIS IS A ...

PM2CM

Cost Engineer Hybrid-Remote

San Bernardino, CA · Hybrid

WE ARE HIRING JUNIOR LEVEL COST ENGINEERS WITH 1 OR MORE YEARS OF WORK EXPERIENCE TO WORK ON ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS WITH ONE OF THE LARGEST UTILITIES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. THIS IS A ...

PM2CM

Cost Engineer Hybrid-Remote

Pomona, CA · Hybrid

WE ARE HIRING JUNIOR LEVEL COST ENGINEERS WITH 1 OR MORE YEARS OF WORK EXPERIENCE TO WORK ON ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS WITH ONE OF THE LARGEST UTILITIES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. THIS IS A ...

PM2CM

Cost Engineer Hybrid-Remote

Riverside, CA · Hybrid

WE ARE HIRING JUNIOR LEVEL COST ENGINEERS WITH 1 OR MORE YEARS OF WORK EXPERIENCE TO WORK ON ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS WITH ONE OF THE LARGEST UTILITIES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. THIS IS A ...

PM2CM

Senior Cost Engineer

Rosemead, CA · On-site

Work closely with project stakeholders, including PMs, engineers, contractors, and finance teams, to gather relevant data and ensure alignment on project cost management. Communication: * Communicate ...

PM2CM

Cost Engineer Hybrid-Remote

Pomona, CA · On-site +1

WE ARE HIRING JUNIOR LEVEL COST ENGINEERS WITH 1 OR MORE YEARS OF WORK EXPERIENCE TO WORK ON ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS WITH ONE OF THE LARGEST UTILITIES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. THIS IS A ...

PM2CM

Cost Engineer Hybrid-Remote

Riverside, CA · On-site +1

WE ARE HIRING JUNIOR LEVEL COST ENGINEERS WITH 1 OR MORE YEARS OF WORK EXPERIENCE TO WORK ON ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS WITH ONE OF THE LARGEST UTILITIES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. THIS IS A ...

PM2CM

Senior Cost Engineer

Rosemead, CA · On-site

Work closely with project stakeholders, including PMs, engineers, contractors, and finance teams, to gather relevant data and ensure alignment on project cost management. Communication: * Communicate ...

PM2CM

Senior Cost Engineer

Rosemead, CA · On-site

Work closely with project stakeholders, including PMs, engineers, contractors, and finance teams, to gather relevant data and ensure alignment on project cost management. Communication: * Communicate ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsCost Engineer JobsCost Engineer Jobs in California

Cost Engineer information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$95.8K

$137.7K

How much do cost engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for cost engineer in California is $95,777.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $112,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cost engineer?

Cost Engineers are professionals who specialize in estimating, managing, and controlling the costs associated with engineering projects. They analyze project plans, materials, labor, and time requirements to develop accurate cost projections and budgets. Cost Engineers play a crucial role in helping organizations optimize resources, minimize expenses, and ensure projects are completed within financial constraints. Their expertise is essential in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and energy.

What does a cost engineer do?

As a cost engineer, you estimate the various costs associated with a project. You can perform your duties in a variety of settings and industries. Many cost engineers work in construction, manufacturing, or other industrial enterprises. In these positions, your responsibilities focus on using technical knowledge to forecast expenses for all phases of the project accurately. You help create a budget that includes time, materials, labor costs, and other factors. These other factors may include things like travel, taxes, and security needs. Cost engineers use specialized software to organize their cost figures and compile information for creating a budget.

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

A Cost Engineer requires a solid background in engineering, mathematics, or finance, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with budgeting and cost estimation. Familiarity with cost management software (like Primavera or SAP), project management systems, and industry certifications such as AACE or PMP are typically important. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help Cost Engineers collaborate with project teams and stakeholders. These competencies are crucial to ensure project costs are accurately estimated, controlled, and aligned with business objectives.

How does a cost engineer typically collaborate with project managers and other departments during a project's lifecycle?

Cost Engineers work closely with project managers, procurement teams, and engineering staff to ensure project costs remain within budget and financial risks are minimized. They participate in regular project meetings, provide cost forecasts, and analyze potential cost overruns. Their role often involves reviewing vendor quotes, coordinating with schedulers to align budgets and timelines, and preparing detailed cost reports for stakeholders. This cross-functional collaboration is essential to proactively identify issues and support informed decision-making throughout the project.

What is the difference between Cost Engineer vs Cost Estimator?

AspectCost EngineerCost Estimator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering, construction management, or related field; certifications like AACE International's CCP or CEOften holds a degree in construction management, engineering, or related; may also have certifications like AACE CCP
Work EnvironmentWorks on project cost control, budgeting, and financial analysis during project executionFocuses on preparing cost estimates for project bids and proposals
Industry UsageUsed throughout project lifecycle, especially in engineering and construction projectsPrimarily involved during project planning and bidding phases

While both roles involve cost analysis, a Cost Engineer manages ongoing project costs and controls, whereas a Cost Estimator focuses on initial cost projections for bids. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right career path or job role in the construction and engineering industries.

How much do cost engineers make in the US?

Cost engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, with experienced professionals and those in senior roles earning over $120,000. Salaries vary based on industry, location, experience, and certifications such as AACE International's certifications.

What degree do you need to be a cost engineer?

A cost engineer typically needs a bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, finance, or a related field. Some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or professional certifications such as the Certified Cost Professional (CCP) or Certified Estimating Professional (CEP). Strong analytical skills and experience with project management tools are also important.
More about Cost Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Cost Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cost Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Cost Engineer jobs in California?

For Cost Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cost Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cost Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cost Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cost Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Cost Engineer jobs in CA?

For Cost Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Cost Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cost Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, and 32% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,777 per year, or $46 per hour.

LAWA Sr. Cost Engineer (Level III)

Pacific Pros

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Pacific Pros is seeking a Senior Cost Engineer (Level III) to be a representative for Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA) to develop.
Synopsis
The LAMP Cost Engineer reports to the LAMP Program Controls Manager.  The LAMP Sr. Cost Engineer shall be responsible for developing and maintaining cost data for the LAMP Program. The Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP) covers the APM, ConRAC, RUE and Auxiliary Curbs projects. 
Region: Los Angeles, CA

Work Location: LAWA has required the candidates be local for this position.

Status: Full-time, on-site, salaried position.

Opening: October 2025, Immediate

Position Description Summary
The successful candidate will have proven cost engineering experience with complex, multi-phase, multi-million-dollar construction and/or enabling projects.  The general job duties include: Prepares detailed computer-generated cost reports, charts and diagrams; Provides analysis and review of cost/budget expenditure and maintains cost control reports; Promptly reports anticipated cost overages or other unsatisfactory cost elements; Maintains liaison with Data Processing in developing support for network calculations, printouts and cost reports, and other cost related services.

Key Identifiers for this Position
  • Demonstrated experience managing and reporting the cost components of large-scale, complex projects; including developing and managing a progress reporting methodology for a complicated design effort. Experience with Progressive GMPs, Design-Build and DBFOM delivery methods is desirable. 
  • Demonstrated ability to understand technical and complicated construction programs and the ability to communicate progress to both technical- and management-level personnel. 
  • Ability to work with others, a self-starter with results-driven focus.

Essential Job Duties for this position
The Cost Engineer duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Monitor project budgets for the multi-billion-dollar Capital Improvement Program at Los Angeles World Airports. 
  • Review and analyze sub-contractor invoices, ensuring expenditures are accurately incurred against appropriate Schedule of Values accounts
  • Prepares job costing reports to allocate these expenditures against the appropriate WBS numbers. Ensure that both commitments and expenditures follow the same allocation methodology.
  • Perform cost-to-complete analysis for all cost elements within a project taking into consideration staffing plans, contract commitments, and expenditures to date, change orders and trends. 
  • Attend project meetings to provide Project Management with current financial information and trend log regarding potential impacts to project budget or forecast.
  • Provide progress reporting documents and briefing materials as required.  Develop creative reporting tools to communicate complex project sequencing and/or progress assessments.
  • Review task orders for contractors, sub-consultants, and City of Los Angeles Interdepartmental Orders to ensure necessary budget and/or contract capacity exists, and ensure these actual commitments are accurately entered/tracked into LAWA’s system of record
  • Analyze bid award values against current budget and prepare reconciliations to include in the current forecast at completion.
  • Analyze change order values against current contingency budget and prepare reconciliations to include in the current forecast at completion.
  • Analyze task order values against current allowance budget and prepare reconciliations to include in the current forecast at completion.
  • Prolog - Update contract commitments, reconcile and analyze actual expenditures, perform budget transfers, monitor trend status and maintain continuity of WBS structure
  • Coordinate with LAWA Governance Body to ensure changes to budgets are approved via the Reconciliate Process or Capital Improvement Program Change process
  • Perform Project closeout resourcefully to ensure Prolog Data is complete for LAWA’s reporting needs
  • Prepare data to support documentation required journal vouchers for budget transfers

Hardware/Software Knowledge
  • Demonstrated proficiency with a large-scale cost reporting system is required; experience with Prolog is highly desirable. 
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Bluebeam
  • PM Web and Prolog databases
Required Qualifications
  • 10 years or more of cost engineering experience directly related to construction projects, preferably aviation projects
  • Experience managing a team of cost engineers
  • Demonstrated experience managing and reporting the cost components of large-scale, complex projects; including developing and managing a progress reporting methodology for a complicated design effort.  Experience with Design-Build and Construction Management at Risk delivery methods is desirable. 
  • Demonstrated ability to understand technical and complicated construction program and the ability to communicate progress to both technical- and management-level personnel. 
  • Ability to work with others, a self-starter with results-driven focus.
  • Proven accuracy, reliability and completeness in job accomplishment

Education/Training
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or other related technical field required
  • Certifications required, may include PMP, PE, and/or any other relevant Professional Licensure or Certification. Required cost engineer certification i.e. CCE, CCP.

Element-Specific Requirements/Notes
  • May assume other duties as required/needed
  • Maybe required to work past regular work shift
  • Maybe required to work various shifts as needed
  • LAWA will provide a desktop computer that can be VPN’d into
  • Cell phone reimbursement is applicable for this position through Pacific Pros Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy
  • This is NOT a work from home position
  • This is a salaried position based on 40 hours per week at the applicable all-in labor rate.
  • This is a Monday-Friday full-time position in the office or on the project site at LAX
  • After hours or weekend work may be required to perform the duties of the position. This shall be considered part of the salary.
Additional Requirements:
  • 3+ References from Clients
  • US Employment Authorization without needing sponsorship
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • A valid Driver’s License and compliance with PACIFIC’s Vehicle Policy