ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Project Cost Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PM2CM

Project Cost Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Reports to a Senior Cost Engineer and assists in developing project budgets, tracking actual costs, and forecasting project costs across various projects. * Interfaces with stakeholders including ...

PM2CM

Project Cost Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Reports to a Senior Cost Engineer and assists in developing project budgets, tracking actual costs, and forecasting project costs across various projects. * Interfaces with stakeholders including ...

PM2CM

Project Cost Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Reports to a Senior Cost Engineer and assists in developing project budgets, tracking actual costs, and forecasting project costs across various projects. * Interfaces with stakeholders including ...

Skanska USA

Cost Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

The Cost Engineer assists and supports the project team with estimating, budget management, subcontractor pricing and lean project strategy implementation. The position works under direct supervision ...

Skanska USA

Cost Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

The Cost Engineer assists and supports the project team with estimating, budget management, subcontractor pricing and lean project strategy implementation. The position works under direct supervision ...

Over J Consulting

Project Cost Analyst

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

Over J is a consulting firm with a solid foundation in engineering and utilities. We are keenly ... We're currently seeking a talented Project Cost Analyst , who will report to Controller. This will ...

Jakks Pacific Inc

Cost Engineer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

We are currently seeking a Cost Engineer for the Santa Monica office. Responsibility * Collaborate ... Estimate, validate, and optimize tooling costs to ensure projects remain within approved tooling ...

S+B James Construction

Sr. Cost Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Are you tired of managing the same types of projects over and over with no opportunities for growth ... We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Sr. Cost Engineer to join our Preconstruction team.

S+B James Construction

Sr. Cost Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Salary: $100k-$130k/year Are you tired of managing the same types of projects over and over with no ... We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Sr. Cost Engineer to join our Preconstruction team.

Level 10 Construction

Cost Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Prepare bid tallies for project team and owner review. * Assists in the review of plans and ... Other duties upon request Qualifications: * 0 - 3 years of experience as Cost Engineer / Junior ...

S+B James Construction

Sr. Cost Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Are you tired of managing the same types of projects over and over with no opportunities for growth ... We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Sr. Cost Engineer to join our Preconstruction team.

S+B James Construction

Sr. Cost Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Are you tired of managing the same types of projects over and over with no opportunities for growth ... We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Sr. Cost Engineer to join our Preconstruction team.

PM2CM

Cost Engineer Hybrid-Remote

Riverside, CA · On-site

PM2CM, Inc., (Project Management to Construction Management) is a professional services company ... WE ARE HIRING JUNIOR LEVEL COST ENGINEERS WITH 1 OR MORE YEARS OF WORK EXPERIENCE TO WORK ON ...

Tutor Perini

Field Cost Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

About Tutor Perini Corporation Extraordinary Projects, Exceptional Performance Tutor Perini ... As a Field Cost Engineer at Tutor Perini Corporation, reporting to the Project Manager and/or ...

PM2CM

Cost Engineer Hybrid-Remote

Anaheim, CA · On-site +1

PM2CM, Inc., (Project Management to Construction Management) is a professional services company ... WE ARE HIRING JUNIOR LEVEL COST ENGINEERS WITH 1 OR MORE YEARS OF WORK EXPERIENCE TO WORK ON ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProject Cost Engineer JobsProject Cost Engineer Jobs in California

Project Cost Engineer information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$95.8K

$137.7K

How much do project cost engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for project 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project cost engineer?

To thrive as a Project Cost Engineer, you need a solid background in cost estimation, budgeting, and financial analysis, typically supported by a degree in engineering, construction management, or finance. Familiarity with cost management software such as SAP, Primavera, and advanced Excel, along with certifications like AACE's CCP, is often expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These competencies help ensure projects are completed within budget, risks are managed proactively, and financial objectives are met.

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

A Project Cost Engineer works closely with project managers, engineers, and finance teams throughout all phases of a project. They are responsible for monitoring budgets, forecasting costs, and providing regular updates to ensure financial objectives are met. Effective communication is key, as they must interpret technical data and translate it into actionable financial insights for stakeholders. This collaboration helps identify potential cost overruns early and supports timely decision-making to keep projects on track.

What is the difference between Project Cost Engineer vs Cost Estimator?

AspectProject Cost EngineerCost Estimator
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field; certifications like AACEi Certified Cost ProfessionalBachelor's in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field; certifications like AACEi Certified Cost Estimator
Work EnvironmentInvolved in project planning, budgeting, and cost control during project executionPrepares cost estimates during project bidding and proposal phases
Industry UsageUsed throughout project lifecycle, especially during execution and controlPrimarily during project bidding, proposal, and initial planning

The Project Cost Engineer focuses on managing and controlling project costs during execution, while the Cost Estimator specializes in preparing initial cost estimates for project bids. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in their project phase focus and responsibilities.

What does a project cost engineer do?

A Project Cost Engineer is responsible for estimating, monitoring, and controlling the costs associated with engineering projects. They analyze project budgets, assess risks, prepare cost forecasts, and ensure that projects stay within financial constraints. Their work involves collaborating with project managers, engineers, and stakeholders to provide accurate cost data and recommend cost-saving measures. Ultimately, they help organizations optimize spending and achieve project goals efficiently.
What are popular job titles related to Project Cost Engineer jobs in California? For Project Cost Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Project Cost Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Project Cost Engineer jobs in California are:
Project Cost Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Cost Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,777 per year, or $46 per hour.

Project Cost Engineer

PM2CM

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

PM2CM, Inc., (Project Management to Construction Management) is a professional services company dedicated to providing Program and Project Management, Construction Management and Project Controls services during the design and construction phase of projects. Our core expertise is in Project Controls which includes Scheduling, Cost Controls, Document Management and Controls, Budget tracking and monitoring, Estimating, Risk Analysis, Claims avoidance and Mitigation, Change Management and Earned Value Management.
Job description:
  • Utilizes MS Excel software to analyze and aggregate data related to Budgets, Actual Costs, and Forecast Costs; strong proficiency in Excel functions (VLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH, SUMIFS, COUNTIFS, SUBTOTAL, IF, OFFSET, PIVOT TABLES & CHARTS) is essential.
  • Reports to a Senior Cost Engineer and assists in developing project budgets, tracking actual costs, and forecasting project costs across various projects.
  • Interfaces with stakeholders including Project Managers, Engineers, Procurement, and Construction Managers.
  • Demonstrates excellent communication skills, initiative, and teamwork.
  • Prior work experience in Cost Controls, Budgeting, or Cost Forecasting is required; proficiency in Excel is a requirement.
  • Strong working knowledge of the MS Office Software Suite.

Requirements
Minimum Qualification:
  • A combination of education, training, and experience, generally equivalent to those typically possessed by a 4-year college graduate.
  • Minimum of 7 years full time paid professional experience in construction cost estimating of all divisions for facilities or school building construction projects
  • Knowledge of current local construction labor and material costs
  • Extensive experience in developing and estimating the scope of work for change orders
  • Ability to compare the independent cost estimate with contractor proposal to quickly identify differences
  • Ability to develop scope of work based on RFI/RFC answers and estimates the detailed costs of those scopes of work independent of the contractor proposal
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

Benefits
100% paid health insurance for employees and 3% 401K match.
If you are an F1 student on OPT seeking professional STEM opportunities, we encourage you to apply and join our team. PM2CM is here to support your career growth and development, and we look forward to welcoming individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to contribute to our collaborative and dynamic work environment.
PM2CM logo

About PM2CM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Torrance, CA, US

Year founded

2014

View All PM2CM Jobs

Apply