Senior Level Construction Estimator Jobs
Senior level construction estimator jobs place experienced professionals in charge of bid strategy, cost modeling accuracy, and the project teams that turn estimates into winning contracts. Roles are predominantly on-site with some hybrid flexibility, concentrated in Construction & Real Estate, Consulting & Professional Services, and Manufacturing, with employers like STO Building, Layton Construction, and Marand Builders hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 42+ Senior Level Construction Estimator jobs
About the Position
We are seeking a highly experienced and seasoned Commercial Construction Estimator to join our growing team. This is not an entry-level estimating role. We are looking for a construction professional with a minimum of 7 years of commercial construction estimating experience who understands the entire construction process—from preconstruction and bidding through project execution, buyout, scheduling, and field operations.
The ideal candidate has a strong background in commercial construction and can evaluate projects not only from a pricing standpoint, but also from a constructability, logistics, scheduling, and risk management perspective. The successful candidate will play a key role in securing profitable work while supporting project teams throughout the lifecycle of a project. Estimators commonly review plans, perform quantity takeoffs, solicit subcontractor pricing, analyze labor, materials, and equipment costs, and collaborate with project teams to develop competitive and accurate bids.
Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed conceptual, budgetary, and hard-bid estimates for commercial construction projects.
- Perform quantity takeoffs and develop complete scopes of work.
- Review drawings, specifications, and contract documents for completeness and constructability.
- Solicit, analyze, and level subcontractor and vendor proposals.
- Identify scope gaps, exclusions, and value engineering opportunities.
- Develop labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor pricing.
- Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and client walkthroughs.
- Assist in project buyout and turnover to operations teams.
- Work closely with project managers and field personnel to validate production rates and construction methods.
- Evaluate project schedules, phasing requirements, logistics plans, and site constraints.
- Identify potential risks and develop pricing strategies to mitigate exposure.
- Support change order pricing and cost analysis during project execution.
- Maintain current knowledge of market conditions, material pricing, subcontractor availability, and industry trends.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, owners, architects, and consultants. Estimators are expected to collaborate across teams and understand real-world construction conditions, not simply prepare numbers.
Qualifications
- Minimum 7 years of commercial construction estimating experience.
- Strong knowledge of commercial building systems, means and methods, and sequencing of work.
- Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, civil, MEP, and specialty trade drawings.
- Experience with ground-up construction, renovations, and interior fit-outs.
- Proficiency with estimating software, on-screen takeoff programs, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong understanding of subcontractor buyout, project management, scheduling, and field operations.
- Ability to analyze project risks, logistics challenges, and constructability concerns.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple estimates simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working for a General Contractor.
- Background as a Project Engineer, Assistant Project Manager, Project Manager, Superintendent, or field professional in addition to estimating.
- Experience with healthcare, education, industrial, municipal, retail, and office construction projects.
- Knowledge of Procore, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, Sage, BuildingConnected, or similar construction software.
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred but not required with relevant experience.
What We Are Looking For
We want a construction professional—not simply an estimator. The ideal candidate understands how buildings are actually built, can identify potential issues before they occur, and can work collaboratively with operations teams to deliver successful projects. The ability to think beyond the estimate and contribute to project planning, scheduling, logistics, procurement, and execution is critical to success in this role.
Experience Required: 7+ years Commercial Construction Estimating
Pay: $85,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
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Who's Hiring
- STO Building3
- Layton Construction3
- Marand Builders3M
- McMillen2M
- Alpha Hire2
Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate13
- Consulting & Professional Services2
- Manufacturing1
- Staffing & Recruiting1
- Technology & Software1
Senior Level Construction Estimator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level construction estimator job?
Employers at this level look for candidates who can own the full estimating lifecycle, from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission, and who have led or mentored junior estimators. Demonstrating a history of large-scale or complex project bids, proficiency with industry estimating software, and the ability to collaborate directly with project managers and executives gives candidates a clear edge.
Which companies hire senior level construction estimators?
Companies hiring senior level construction estimators right now include STO Building, Layton Construction, and Marand Builders, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Hiring at this level covers general contractors, specialty subcontractors, and construction management firms that maintain dedicated estimating departments on major commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects.
Are there remote senior level construction estimator jobs?
Yes, though most roles involve some on-site presence tied to project walkthroughs and preconstruction meetings. About 10% of senior level construction estimator openings are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting demand for experienced estimators who can manage takeoffs and bid coordination without being office-bound every day.
What makes a construction estimator role senior level?
Senior level construction estimator roles are defined by ownership of the entire bid process, technical depth across multiple construction divisions, and direct responsibility for pricing strategy on high-value projects. They also carry a leadership dimension, including reviewing junior estimators' work, interfacing with clients and subcontractors during preconstruction, and making cost-risk decisions that directly affect whether a project moves forward.
Which industries hire the most senior level construction estimators?
Senior Level construction estimator roles concentrate in Construction & Real Estate, Consulting & Professional Services, and Manufacturing, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. These sectors consistently drive demand because project complexity, contract value, and regulatory requirements at scale require estimators with the depth and authority to validate costs and defend bids independently.