Electrical Estimator Jobs in California
Electrical Estimator jobs in California are among the most active in the nation, driven by large-scale infrastructure investment, commercial construction, renewable energy buildouts, and data center development from entry-level takeoff roles through senior project estimators. The heaviest hiring concentrates in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego, where firms like Swinerton, Cupertino Electric, and Rosendin Electric have deep roots and consistent estimating needs. The most in-demand specialties are solar and battery storage systems, commercial tenant improvement, and large public works electrical packages. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Overview:
Electrical Estimator - ARB, Inc.
ARB, Inc., a top-ranked EPC leader, is now seeking an Electrical Estimator to take the lead on electrical estimates for complex industrial projects, and develop accurate, detailed, and competitive cost estimates. This role plays a critical part in front-end project development, bidding, and execution planning for complex electrical scopes including power generation, instrumentation, controls, grounding, and classified-area installations. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, solid electrical knowledge, proficiency in industry-related software, and the ability to produce clear, organized reports for the lead estimator and project team.
Key Responsibilities
- Review and interpret electrical drawings, single-line diagrams, layouts, specifications, and client standards.
- Prepare detailed labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and indirect cost estimates for EPC lumpsum, unit-rate, and T&M.
- Collaborate with engineering, project management, procurement, and construction teams to confirm scope, assumptions, execution plans, and risk factors.
- Develop installation labor strategies for industrial electrical systems including power distribution, MCCs, instrumentation, and control systems.
- Solicit, evaluate, and level vendor and subcontractor quotations; participate in negotiations for supplier and subcontractor bids.
- Apply electrical codes and standards relevant to industrial facilities (NEC, NFPA, API, ISA, IEEE, etc.).
- Analyze cost impacts related to project changes, client clarifications, and scope growth.
- Participate in bid strategy meetings and support pricing decisions with detailed backup documentation.
- Prepare formal bid packages, exhibits, and cost summaries for client and internal review.
- Conduct site visits and brownfield walkdowns to validate constructability assumptions.
- Maintain historical cost data, productivity benchmarks, and estimating templates for future bids.
- Support procurement activities by refining material takeoffs and long-lead item forecasts.
- Participate in post-project reviews and lessons-learned to improve estimating accuracy and methodology.
- Transition from estimating to the field team after successful bids to ensure smooth project execution and continuity.
Skills and Qualifications
- Prior experience in electrical estimating in EPC, industrial, oil & gas, refinery, power generation, or heavy process facilities.
- Strong technical knowledge of industrial electrical systems, hazardous-area installations, and construction methods.
- Proficiency with estimating software such as Accubid, McCormick, Electrical Bid Manager, or equivalent.
- Working knowledge of EPC contracting models, including risk allocation, contingency planning, and pricing strategies.
- Familiarity with vendor procurement, subcontractor bid leveling, and commercial evaluations.
- Experience evaluating labor productivity, composite crews, and union labor environments is preferred.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Bluebeam.
- Ability to read and interpret complex electrical drawings and multi-discipline EPC design packages.
- Detail-oriented with strong analytical, organizational skills.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to interface with owners, engineers, vendors, construction teams, and senior leadership.
- Ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
- Experience with project management and scheduling tools is a plus.
Compensation/Benefits
- Annual salary range of $140–$170K (negotiable) commensurate with education, experience and skillset.
Benefits:
- Competitive compensation, paid weekly.
- Best-in-class medical, dental, vision, and LTD/STD coverage.
- 401(k) with company match, vested on day one.
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan [ESPP].
- Pet coverage for your furry friends.
- Legal assistance coverage.
- Award-winning safety programs.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We are not accepting resumes from Third Party Recruiting Firms for this position. If you are an Agency or Search firm representative, contact the Primoris Talent Acquisition Manager directly for consideration. Primoris or its subsidiaries will not be responsible for any fees arising from the use of resumes and online response forms through this source. In addition, Primoris or its subsidiaries will not be responsible for any fees on unsolicited resumes that are submitted to any member of the Staffing or Operations team. Primoris has established an approved vendor program for this service and will only consider accepting submissions from those approved firms. For consideration in becoming an approved vendor, contact HR.
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.
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Find Electrical Estimator JobsElectrical Estimator Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Electrical Estimator Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Technology & Software
- Consulting & Professional Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in electrical estimator jobs across California.
- Active California Electrical Contractor license or ability to work under a licensed contractor
- Proven experience reading and interpreting electrical plans, specifications, and one-line diagrams
- Proficiency in estimating software such as Accubid, ConEst, or Bluebeam Revu
- Familiarity with California Building Code and Title 24 energy compliance requirements
- Strong knowledge of material takeoffs, labor unit costing, and subcontractor bid analysis
- Ability to coordinate pre-bid site walks and manage multiple concurrent bid deadlines
Electrical Estimator Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an electrical estimator in California?
Most electrical estimators in California start in the field as journeyman electricians licensed through the California Department of Industrial Relations, then move into estimating after gaining hands-on project experience. A California Electrical Contractor license issued by the Contractors State License Board is often preferred for senior roles. Some enter through construction management or engineering degrees, then build estimating skills on the job or through NECA training programs offered in California.
Which companies hire electrical estimators in California?
Employers hiring electrical estimators in California right now include A-C Electric Company, Kiewit Corporation, and Turner & Townsend Pty Limited, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's large volume of public infrastructure projects and commercial development means demand extends well beyond specialty electrical contractors to general contractors and design-build firms with in-house electrical estimating teams.
Which California cities have the most electrical estimator jobs?
Los Angeles, Irvine, and Fresno consistently lead California for electrical estimator openings, reflecting the concentration of commercial construction, tech campus development, and large public works projects in those metros. Smaller markets like Sacramento and Fresno also generate steady openings tied to state government infrastructure spending and Central Valley industrial growth, so the hiring footprint is broader than the coastal metros alone.
Are there remote electrical estimator jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since electrical estimating often requires site walks, in-person bid reviews, and close coordination with field crews. About 36% of electrical estimator openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those roles tend to concentrate the estimating and takeoff work that can be done digitally, such as plan review, software-based quantity takeoffs, and vendor pricing.
How can I get hired as an electrical estimator in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is joining a large California electrical contractor as a junior estimator or estimating coordinator, supporting senior estimators on bid packages while learning takeoff software and project costing. Firms like Rosendin Electric and Cupertino Electric run structured training pipelines for candidates coming out of IBEW apprenticeships or construction management programs. A Bluebeam or Accubid certification and a portfolio of practice takeoffs built during a NECA or community college construction program gives candidates without direct experience a concrete edge.
Where can I find and apply to electrical estimator jobs in California?
You can find and apply to electrical estimator jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly from the listing.
See All 32 Electrical Estimator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Electrical Estimator Jobs