Construction Estimator Jobs in California
Construction Estimator jobs in California are concentrated in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where large-scale commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects keep demand high across senior and junior levels alike. Major employers with an established California presence include Turner Construction, Webcor Builders, and Hensel Phelps, all of which staff estimating teams continuously across the state. The most in-demand specialties are commercial ground-up, civil infrastructure, and tenant improvement work, reflecting California's sustained investment in both public and private development. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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About Us
We are a growing residential general contractor and real estate investment firm based in Pasadena, CA. In addition to traditional GC projects and high-end residential flips, we specialize in-house in custom cabinetry and ornamental metal fabrication and installation (custom gates, railings, structural/decorative metal, and architectural millwork).
We are seeking a sharp, organized Bilingual Project Manager & Estimator to manage our specialty fabrication trades, handle project bidding, and coordinate overall field operations from our Pasadena office.
Key ResponsibilitiesSpecialty Trade & GC Estimating (~40% of time)
- Perform detailed material, labor, and shop-time take-offs for custom cabinetry and ornamental metal scopes (fences, rails, gates, custom millwork).
- Build accurate line-item cost estimates and proposals for GC residential remodels, investment flips, and trade subcontracts.
- Review architectural plans, shop drawings, and engineering specs.
- Solicit and evaluate vendor/supplier pricing to maintain high profit margins.
Project Management & Production Coordination (~60% of time)
- Drive projects from fabrication to installation—acting as the main point of contact between shop crews, installers, subcontractors, and clients.
- Manage scheduling, material deliveries, and site logistics for custom cabinet and metal installations across local project sites.
- Oversee timeline and budget tracking for ongoing residential flips and general contracting work.
- Conduct periodic on-site checks across the San Gabriel Valley (Pasadena, Glendale, Arcadia, San Marino) for quality control, site measurements, and inspection scheduling.
Qualifications
- Language: Fluent in both English and Spanish (verbal and written) to seamlessly communicate with clients, shop crews, subcontractors, and municipal inspectors.
- Experience: 3+ years in residential construction project management, trade estimating, or millwork/metal fabrication management in Southern California.
- Technical Skills: Strong ability to read blueprints and shop drawings. Familiarity with custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, or decorative metal fabrication is highly desirable. Proficiency with Excel or construction management software.
- Driven & Detail-Oriented: Ability to juggle multiple specialty fabrication jobs alongside active GC residential projects.
- Local Knowledge: Familiarity with local building codes, municipal permitting, and trade sub-networks across the San Gabriel Valley.
- Vehicle: Valid CA Driver’s License and reliable transportation for occasional local site visits.
Compensation & Perks
- Base Salary: $70,000 – $90,000 per year.
- Bonuses: Performance-based bonuses tied to project margins, shop turnaround times, and overall project profitability.
- Work Environment: A dynamic, fast-paced environment mixing specialized shop trades, GC builds, and real estate investing.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
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Find Construction Estimator JobsConstruction Estimator Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Construction Estimator Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Construction & Real Estate
- Energy
- Consulting & Professional Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in construction estimator jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field
- Proficiency with estimating software such as Bluebeam, Sage Estimating, or PlanSwift
- Three or more years of experience estimating commercial or civil construction projects
- Familiarity with California Division of the State Architect requirements and local building codes
- Ability to perform quantity takeoffs and prepare detailed bid packages independently
- Strong written communication skills for subcontractor scopes and bid clarification letters
Construction Estimator Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a construction estimator in California?
Most construction estimators in California start with a bachelor's degree in construction management or civil engineering, often from a Cal Poly, UC Davis, or CSU program. California does not require a state-issued license specifically for estimators, but earning the American Society of Professional Estimators certification or the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering credential strengthens a candidate's profile considerably. Many professionals move into estimating from field superintendent or project engineer roles.
Which companies hire construction estimators in California?
Employers hiring construction estimators in California right now include Jobot, Turner & Townsend Pty Limited, and RIMEPRO, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's large commercial general contractors and public works firms account for the greatest share of open estimating roles across the state.
Which California cities have the most construction estimator jobs?
Irvine, San Francisco, and Vacaville have the most construction estimator openings in California. Los Angeles generates the largest share of listings driven by its dense commercial and mixed-use development pipeline, while the San Francisco Bay Area's tech-sector build-outs and San Diego's military construction and biotech campus projects sustain steady demand in those markets as well.
Are there remote construction estimator jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since estimators frequently visit job sites and attend pre-bid walkthroughs in person. About 27% of construction estimator openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions tend to focus on quantity takeoff and bid preparation tasks that can be handled off-site.
How can I get hired as a construction estimator in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an estimating assistant or junior estimator role at a mid-size California general contractor, where you support senior estimators on bid preparation and quantity takeoffs. Candidates who come from project engineer or superintendent backgrounds are frequently considered without formal estimating experience. Completing a construction management program at a CSU or Cal Poly campus and building a takeoff portfolio using publicly bid California public works projects gives a strong competitive edge.
Where can I find and apply to construction estimator jobs in California?
You can find and apply to construction estimator jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Search the roles that fit your experience level and specialty, then apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 81 Construction Estimator Jobs in California
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