Estimator Jobs in Illinois
Estimator jobs in Illinois are in steady demand, with concentrated hiring in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development at every level from junior takeoff estimator to senior project estimator. Chicago leads hiring volume, with Rockford and Peoria also generating consistent openings tied to industrial and commercial construction. Established employers such as Clayco, Turner Construction, and Caterpillar maintain long-term estimating teams across the state, and the most sought-after specialties are commercial construction, mechanical systems, and heavy civil work. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Job Title: Cost Estimator
Location: Park Ridge, IL | On-Site
Job Type: Fulltime
Relocation Assistance Available if required
We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Estimator to support construction projects by developing accurate estimates, managing project costs, and providing detailed financial analysis throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed estimates for Civil, Structural, Architectural, and MEP scopes.
- Develop and maintain project budgets, forecasts, and cost projections.
- Review construction drawings, specifications, labor, material, and subcontractor pricing.
- Evaluate vendor and subcontractor bids for accuracy and competitiveness.
- Perform cost analysis to identify risks, cost-saving opportunities, and potential value-engineering options.
- Monitor project costs and scope changes throughout the construction lifecycle.
- Collaborate with design, engineering, and construction teams to support project decisions.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of professional construction estimating experience.
- Hands-on experience estimating Civil, Structural, Architectural, and MEP work.
- Strong understanding of construction drawings and specifications.
- Experience with subcontractor/vendor pricing and bid evaluation.
- Proficiency with Bluebeam, PlanSwift, RSMeans, or similar estimating software.
- Strong Excel and analytical skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, or a related field preferred.
Compensation & Benefits
- $90,000–$120,000 annual salary
- Relocation assistance available
- Full-time, on-site opportunity
- Exposure to diverse construction and infrastructure projects
Job Title: Cost Estimator
Location: Park Ridge, IL | On-Site
Job Type: Fulltime
Relocation Assistance Available if required
We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Estimator to support construction projects by developing accurate estimates, managing project costs, and providing detailed financial analysis throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed estimates for Civil, Structural, Architectural, and MEP scopes.
- Develop and maintain project budgets, forecasts, and cost projections.
- Review construction drawings, specifications, labor, material, and subcontractor pricing.
- Evaluate vendor and subcontractor bids for accuracy and competitiveness.
- Perform cost analysis to identify risks, cost-saving opportunities, and potential value-engineering options.
- Monitor project costs and scope changes throughout the construction lifecycle.
- Collaborate with design, engineering, and construction teams to support project decisions.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of professional construction estimating experience.
- Hands-on experience estimating Civil, Structural, Architectural, and MEP work.
- Strong understanding of construction drawings and specifications.
- Experience with subcontractor/vendor pricing and bid evaluation.
- Proficiency with Bluebeam, PlanSwift, RSMeans, or similar estimating software.
- Strong Excel and analytical skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, or a related field preferred.
Compensation & Benefits
- $90,000–$120,000 annual salary
- Relocation assistance available
- Full-time, on-site opportunity
- Exposure to diverse construction and infrastructure projects
See All 102+ Estimator Jobs in Illinois
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Find Estimator JobsEstimator Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Estimator Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Gerber Collision & Glass16
- Crash Champions Collision Repair Team9
- Caliber6
- Teksky2
- Bancare2B
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Education
- Chemicals & Materials
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Government & Public Sector
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in estimator jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related technical field
- Proficiency in estimating software such as Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or Sage Estimating
- Three or more years of estimating experience in commercial or industrial construction
- Demonstrated ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications
- Certified Professional Estimator credential from ASPE preferred by many Illinois employers
- Strong knowledge of Illinois subcontractor markets, material costs, and local labor conditions
Estimator Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a estimator in Illinois?
Most Illinois employers expect a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field, though candidates with an associate degree plus substantial field experience are also competitive. Illinois does not require a state-issued license to work as an estimator, but earning the Certified Professional Estimator designation through the American Society of Professional Estimators strengthens your candidacy significantly. Entry-level candidates often begin in takeoff or project coordinator roles before moving into full estimating responsibilities.
How much do estimators make in Illinois?
Estimators in Illinois earn a median of about $82,750 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $49,200 for the lowest 10% to over $136,590 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire estimators in Illinois?
Employers hiring estimators in Illinois right now include Gerber Collision & Glass, Crash Champions Collision Repair Team, and Caliber, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's large commercial construction and heavy industrial sectors mean demand is consistent across both general contractors headquartered in Chicago and manufacturers with operations in central and northern Illinois.
Which Illinois cities have the most estimator jobs?
Chicago, Schaumburg, and Elk Grove Village have the most estimator openings in Illinois. Chicago generates the largest share by far, driven by its dense commercial construction pipeline and the regional headquarters of major general contractors and specialty subcontractors, while Rockford and Peoria contribute steady volume through manufacturing facilities and ongoing infrastructure projects in their metro areas.
Are there remote estimator jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields because estimators regularly visit job sites, attend preconstruction meetings, and coordinate with field teams in person. About 28% of estimator openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and the roles most likely to offer flexibility are those focused on quantity takeoff, bid management, or cost analysis rather than active field coordination.
How can I get hired as a estimator in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a project coordinator or takeoff technician role, where you build quantity and drawing-reading skills before transitioning into estimating. Large Illinois general contractors such as Clayco and Power Construction hire construction management graduates into junior estimating rotations, and union apprenticeships through the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters offer a field-based route that can support a move into estimating. Completing an ASPE student chapter certification or building a portfolio of sample takeoffs strengthens your application against candidates with more field time.
Where can I find and apply to estimator jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to estimator jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level and specialty, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
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