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 Description:
Ryan Companies is hiring an Estimator II professional in Chicago! The Estimator II position Provides estimating management and support during the preconstruction process. This position focuses on the creation and analysis of detailed cost information.
Some things you can expect to do:
- Work with preconstruction managers, project managers, and other estimators to develop accurate and timely conceptual and detailed estimates.
- Perform quantity take-offs of all construction systems.
- Solicit subcontractor pricing for budgeting and bidding events.
- Scope, select and recommend subcontractors based on best value and project requirements.
- Create and monitor project estimate updates with the evolution and refinement of project scope.
- Champion data integrity through consistent archiving of estimates and tracking historic costs.
- Support the development, architecture, and construction teams with preconstruction expertise including cost validation, value design, preconstruction project schedule input, procurement lead times, and project pursuit assistance.
- Support, review, and provide feedback on project estimates created by the project managers and other estimators.
- Assist and mentor new estimators, project managers, and preconstruction engineers.
- Assist clients and developers with conceptual budgets, capable of cost modeling using Uniformat II system costs.
You will really stand out if you:
- Have knowledge of construction means and methods, building types, and procurement methods.
- Are proficient with CSI and Uniformat II work breakdown structures.
- Can perform thoughtful and accurate quantity take-offs and then summarize data for comparison and evaluation.
- Demonstrate working knowledge of DESTINI Estimator, Microsoft Excel, OST, JOIN, BuildingConnected and Bluebeam.
- Communicate proactively and effectively, and focus on customer needs, expectations, and satisfaction.
- Display a high level of professionalism, honesty, and integrity.
- Have experience with commercial industrial and/or sitework estimating.
- 4 year engineering, architectural or management degree required, or experience in relevant field.
- 6+ years commercial construction experience.
- Knowledge of construction means and methods and able to read and understand project plans.
- Proficiency with CSI and Uniformat II work breakdown structures.
- Be able to perform thoughtful and accurate quantity take offs and summarize data in a meaningful way.
- Knowledgeable in Microsoft Excel. Working knowledge of OST, Bluebeam, VICO, Navisworks, and Revit a plus.
- Knowledge of design-build, CM at Risk, and best-value processes.
- Able to teach skills and knowledge to others.
- Knowledge of construction means and methods, building types, and procurement methods.
- Able to listen, prioritize, and value the opinions of others.
Compensation:
- The salary range is $101,900 - 127,400.00 per year. The annual base salary may vary within the anticipated range based on factors such as the location of the position and the selected candidate's knowledge, skills and abilities.
Eligibility:
Position requires verification of employment to work in the U.S.
Benefits:
- Competitive Salary
- Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
- Retirement and Savings Benefits
- Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Educational Assistance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs
- Family Planning & Parenting Benefits
- Employee Discount Programs
- Pet insurance
- Charitable Donation Matching
- Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Disclaimer: Eligibility may vary based on factors such as role, hours worked, employment status, length of service, location, and other considerations. Detailed information will be shared with eligible candidates during the hiring process, and the official terms and conditions will be outlined in each individual offer document.
Ryan Companies is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Notice to Candidates:
Please be advised that initial outreach regarding employment at Ryan Companies will only occur via email from the domain @ryancompanies.com email address. If you receive communication from someone you believe is impersonating Ryan Companies, please report it to us at humanresources@ryancompanies.com.
Non-Solicitation Notice to Recruitment Agencies:
Ryan Companies kindly requests that recruitment agencies and third-party recruiters do not submit unsolicited resumes or candidate information to any Ryan Companies employee or office. Ryan Companies will not be responsible for any fees or expenses associated with unsolicited submissions. If recruitment services are required, we will reach out directly to agencies on our approved vendor list. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
See All 93 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 & Glass12

- Crash Champions Collision Repair Team5

- Caliber4

- Brightview2

- B&B Concrete2B
Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Manufacturing
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 November 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, Rockford, and Elgin 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 23% of estimator openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 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.
See All 93 Estimator Jobs in Illinois
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