Estimator Jobs
Estimator jobs are open across construction, manufacturing, engineering, and insurance, from entry-level to senior and chief estimator, with specializations in cost estimating, quantity takeoff, and bid management. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Chief Estimator
Job Overview
Join our dynamic construction team as a Chief Estimator, where you will lead the estimation process for large-scale commercial projects. This pivotal role involves developing accurate cost projections, managing bid preparations, and collaborating closely with project managers, clients, and subcontractors to ensure competitive and profitable bids. Your expertise will drive the financial success of our projects by providing detailed and reliable estimates that align with project scopes and client expectations. We are seeking a motivated leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering excellence in construction estimating.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of comprehensive project estimates by analyzing blueprints, technical drawings, and specifications.
- Utilize estimating software such as HeavyBid and Xactimate to prepare detailed cost proposals.
- Manage material cost estimating, including sourcing pricing from suppliers and negotiating favorable terms with vendors.
- Interpret construction drawings and technical documents to accurately determine material requirements and labor needs.
- Oversee the review of construction management software and spreadsheets to ensure consistency and accuracy across estimates.
- Collaborate with project teams to develop budgets, control costs, and manage risks throughout the bidding process.
- Communicate effectively with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams to clarify project scope and negotiate contracts.
- Lead efforts in cost management, including tracking estimates against actual costs during project execution for continuous improvement.
- Ensure all estimates comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies.
Requirements
- Proven experience managing projects as a construction estimator within the commercial construction industry.
- Strong proficiency in estimating software such as HeavyBid, Bluebeam, Xactimate, and construction management tools.
- Extensive knowledge of blueprint reading, interpreting technical drawings, and reviewing construction plans.
- Demonstrated ability to estimate material requirements from blueprints accurately and assess associated costs.
- Excellent negotiation skills with vendors, subcontractors, and clients to secure competitive pricing.
- Solid understanding of construction contracts, cost control measures, and project budgeting processes.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite—including Excel spreadsheets—for data analysis and reporting.
- Construction site experience is highly desirable to better understand on-the-ground realities influencing estimates.
- Strong communication skills to effectively liaise with clients, team members, and suppliers throughout the bidding process.
Join us as a Chief Estimator to shape successful projects from the ground up! Your expertise will be instrumental in driving our growth while fostering a collaborative environment focused on excellence in construction estimation.
Pay: $150,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Estimator Jobs by Experience Level
Top Cities Hiring Estimators
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Find Estimator JobsEstimator Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Caliber Collision166
- Gerber Collision & Glass111
- Jobot107
- STO Building95
- Layton Construction55
Top Industries Hiring
- Staffing & Recruiting158
- Construction & Real Estate107
- Energy40
- Manufacturing28
- Technology & Software20
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in estimator jobs.
- Proficiency in takeoff and estimating software such as Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or Timberline
- Experience reading and interpreting construction drawings, blueprints, and specifications
- Two to five years of estimating experience in a relevant sector such as construction or manufacturing
- Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience
- Certification such as Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or LEED accreditation preferred
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for cost modeling, bid summaries, and variance analysis
Tips for Your Estimator Job Search
Tailor your resume for each bid type
Estimators are hired for specific project types, so align your resume to the sector you're targeting. A commercial construction estimator resume should highlight CSI divisions and subcontractor bidding, while a manufacturing estimator resume should lead with cost modeling and BOMs.
List your estimating software by version
Employers filter candidates by tool proficiency. Name the exact software you use, such as Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, HeavyBid, or Sage Estimating, and note your proficiency level. Generic phrases like 'estimating software' don't help recruiters or applicant tracking systems find you.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists estimator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Filter openings by project value range
Many job postings specify the typical project size an estimator will handle. Match your experience to those figures. If you've primarily estimated projects under a certain threshold, targeting roles at that scale improves your callback rate versus applying to large-scale infrastructure roles.
Prepare a sample takeoff for interviews
Many hiring managers give estimators a takeoff exercise during the interview. Bring a redlined set of plans or a sample quantity worksheet from a past project you can walk through. Showing your process is more persuasive than describing it.
Negotiate using total bid volume, not just years
When discussing compensation, cite the total dollar value of bids you've managed or contributed to rather than relying on years of experience alone. Estimators who can articulate bid volume and win rates have a stronger case for higher offers.
Estimator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most estimators?
The companies hiring the most estimators right now include Caliber Collision, Gerber Collision & Glass, and Jobot, with the largest share of openings in Texas, Florida, and California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. General contractors, specialty subcontractors, and large manufacturing firms consistently account for the majority of estimator openings.
How many estimator jobs are remote?
About 23% of estimator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with availability concentrated in the review and bid preparation phases of the role. Estimators who specialize in insurance claims, software-driven quantity takeoff, or procurement tend to find the highest proportion of remote-eligible positions compared to those working in field-adjacent construction roles.
How do you become an estimator?
Start by earning a degree in construction management, engineering, or a related technical field, or build equivalent experience through field work in a trade. Learn industry-standard estimating software and practice reading blueprints and specifications. Entry-level roles often carry titles like junior estimator or estimating coordinator, and professional certifications such as the Certified Professional Estimator designation strengthen your candidacy as you advance.
Can you get hired as an estimator with little experience?
Yes, many employers hire estimators with limited direct experience if you can demonstrate relevant foundational skills. A background in a skilled trade, drafting, project coordination, or procurement all transfer well. Build your takeoff skills using publicly available plan sets, get comfortable with at least one major estimating software tool, and target firms that explicitly list entry-level or junior estimator openings rather than roles requiring years of independent bid management.
What does the estimator interview process look like?
Most estimator interviews begin with a phone screen focused on your experience with specific project types and software tools. A technical round typically follows, which may include a live or take-home takeoff exercise using a set of plans. Final rounds often involve meeting project managers or principals and discussing your approach to bid strategy, subcontractor relationships, and handling scope gaps or last-minute bid changes.
Where can I find and apply to estimator jobs?
You can find and apply to estimator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience and sector, then apply directly to each one that fits.
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