1

Cost Manager Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Cost Manager

Portland, OR · On-site

$58K - $76K/yr

Cost Estimator Reporting to: Office Director Salary Range: $58,500 - $76,000 Overview of Role The Assistant Cost Manager is responsible for all independent construction cost control functions for ...

Cost Management & Estimating * Lead the full-cycle cost management of projects, establishing and maintaining cost controls from concept through completion. * Conduct scope definition workshops with ...

This role supports project financial management through change order administration, invoicing, budget tracking, forecasting, cost reporting, and closeout support. You will work closely with project ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cost Manager information

See Oregon salary details

$41.2K

$113.1K

$155.4K

How much do cost manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for cost manager in Oregon is $113,137.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $128,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cost manager?

A cost manager plans a budget and ensures cost-effective operations for a project or a company’s overall business model. Your job duties include using financial information to create a streamlined operations model and auditing current projects to see if they are cost-effective. A career as a cost manager requires you have some formal qualifications and education, typically at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related subject, and certification as a certified public accountant (CPA). Requirements for senior management positions may be more demanding, requiring five or more years of experience.

What is a cost manager?

A Cost Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing and controlling the costs associated with construction projects. Their role involves estimating project costs, managing budgets, tracking expenditures, and ensuring that projects remain within financial constraints. Cost Managers collaborate closely with project managers, architects, engineers, and contractors to provide accurate financial guidance and cost-effective solutions throughout the project lifecycle. Their expertise helps clients maximize value and minimize risk in construction investments.

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

To thrive as a Cost Manager, you need strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of construction or project cost control, and a relevant degree such as quantity surveying or construction management. Familiarity with cost management software like CostX or Sage, and professional certifications such as RICS or AACE, are commonly required. Excellent communication, negotiation, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for collaborating with stakeholders and managing budgets. These competencies ensure accurate cost planning, efficient resource allocation, and successful project delivery within budget constraints.

How does a cost manager typically collaborate with project teams to control budgets and manage changes during a construction project?

Cost Managers work closely with project managers, architects, engineers, and contractors to monitor and control project budgets throughout all phases of construction. They regularly review cost estimates, track spending against forecasts, and assess the financial impact of any design or scope changes. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential, as Cost Managers often facilitate discussions to ensure that changes are implemented within budget constraints while maintaining project quality. Their proactive involvement helps prevent cost overruns and supports the delivery of projects on time and within budget.

What is the difference between Cost Manager vs Cost Analyst?

AspectCost ManagerCost Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in finance, accounting, or related field; certifications like CMA or CPA are commonUsually holds a degree in finance, accounting, or economics; certifications like CMA can be advantageous
Work EnvironmentOversees budgeting, cost control, and financial planning for projects or departmentsAnalyzes cost data, prepares reports, and supports budgeting processes
Industry UsageUsed across construction, manufacturing, and corporate finance sectorsCommon in finance, manufacturing, and consulting firms

While both roles focus on cost management, the Cost Manager has broader responsibilities including strategic planning and overseeing cost control initiatives, whereas the Cost Analyst primarily analyzes data and supports budgeting activities. The roles often collaborate but differ in scope and seniority.

How much do cost managers make in the US?

Cost managers 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 higher. Salaries can vary based on industry, location, and level of experience, and certifications like the Certified Cost Professional (CCP) can enhance earning potential.

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

The most popular types of Cost jobs in Oregon are:

What are popular job titles related to Cost Manager jobs in Oregon?

For Cost Manager jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cost Manager jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Cost Manager jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Cost Manager jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Cost Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Cost Manager job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,137 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Assistant Cost Manager

Portland, OR • On-site

Rider Levett Bucknall
501 - 1,000 employees

$58K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Title: Cost Estimator
Reporting to: Office Director
Salary Range: $58,500 - $76,000
Overview of Role
The Assistant Cost Manager is responsible for all independent construction cost control functions for review of the construction projects change orders including complete estimates, value analysis, schedule of values, comparisons, assisting with feasibility studies, and historical cost reports. This individual can perform cost control functions on multiple projects of varying complexity simultaneously. The Cost Estimator should have the ability to identify opportunities within a project that will add value and help successfully accomplish the client's desired project outcome.
Essential Functions
  • Preparation of construction related cost estimates, cost plans, and cost strategies
  • Change order reviews and valuations of work in progress and bid analyses
  • Preparation of studies and plans on value engineering, life cycle costing, and sustainable practices
  • Prepares work to be estimated by gathering proposals, blueprints, specifications, and related documents.
  • Identifies labor, material, and time requirements by studying proposals, blueprints, specifications, and related documents.
  • Computes costs by analyzing labor, material, and time requirements.
  • Resolves discrepancies by collecting and analyzing information.
  • Presents prepared estimate by assembling and displaying numerical and descriptive information.
  • Prepares special reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends.
  • Maintains cost data base by entering and backing up data.
  • Maintains technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing technical publications.
  • Contributes to team effort by accomplishing other duties as assigned.
  • Contributes to team performance by collaboration and effective communication.
  • Contributes to and understands the clients desired project outcomes, identifies opportunities to add value to accomplish the desired outcomes.
  • Adds to team effort by accomplishing other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or a related field
  • Recent experience and specialty in electrical and mechanical cost strategies
  • Cost control in the commercial/institutional/Industrial sector concentrating on vertical construction
  • Experience with conceptual and detailed measurement / pricing
  • Experience in CMGC / GCCM process
  • Experience with estimating software systems, onscreen takeoff software and BIM

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Professional certifications preferred
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
• Indoor office environment. May require work on site location when necessary.
• Equipment used includes computers and standard office machines.
• Essential physical tasks include: the ability to work on a computer and the ability to answer and speak on a telephone.
RLB is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices based on race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items.
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.