Estimator Jobs in Chicago, IL
Estimator jobs in Chicago are in active demand, concentrated in the Loop, River North, and suburban construction corridors like Schaumburg and Oak Brook, across commercial construction, civil engineering, and manufacturing. Employers hiring right now include Gerber Collision & Glass, Focus, and Jobot. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 102+ Estimator jobs
Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced Finish Carpentry/Millwork Estimator that can prepare bids with little assistance while hitting all assigned due dates. The ideal applicant is one that possesses an analytical mindset with strong math and IT ability.
Thoroughness and reliability are natural traits for this individual.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Proficient in Bluebeam
- Become an expert on our Estimating Template and contribute recommendations for tweaks to the program
- Master reading blueprints and identifying millwork and lineal trim
- Assembles documents for turnover and lead meetings
- Learn how to do take off and bid: Luxury Retail, High-End Residential, High/Mid-Rise Multi-Use Buildings, High-End Restaurants.
- Forward Thinking about how to takeoff bids for ease of review/presentation to Sales and Customers
- With guidance from your Manager how to interpret what we are bidding from off a less than detailed bid document and understand how the manager tweaked your work
- Interact with Client with limited management/sales assistance to answer and clarify any scope discrepancies (RFIs)
- Can write proposals
- Engage in miscellaneous projects assigned or approved by the Director of Estimating.
Qualifications and Experience
- Is organized and has strong communication skills (written and verbal).
- Strong attention to detail.
- Has learned and understands various facets of the construction industry, including but not limited to: Estimating, Project Management, Operations, and Sales.
- Ability to work both autonomously and as part of a large team.
- Inclination to take initiative and jump on problems as they arise; minimizing any lasting impacts on our projects.
- Is not afraid to be challenged, can work under pressure, and has the aptitude to solve intricate problems.
- Ability to compute, analyze, interpret, and report on basic to intermediate statistical information.
Advancement Criteria
- Expert in Bluebeam.
- Need to be able to train others on the Estimating Template
- Learn more complicated millwork bids:
- Multiple Layers of Millwork/Trims/Panels
- Bids which require added supervision due to extra layout for panels/trims millwork to align throughout space
- Higher end spaces/retail/residence
- Has an average score of at least 3.5 on their last ten bid reviews
- Able to produce an estimate from complex shop drawings of a bid with minimal mistakes and questions
- Has gone on multiple Vendor visits
- Has attended at least five job site visits of jobs bid on and completed documentation since being promoted to Estimator 1
- Produce an Estimate from Architectural Bid Docs with no assistance with limited mistakes.
- Learn AWI Architectural Woodwork Standards how it is relevant to what you bid
- Attend at least two AWI events
Company Overview and Culture
Our company, established in 2003, continues to experience significant growth in revenue as well as regionally and is always looking for qualified new team members. We have a mix of long-term and new employees that value our commitment to providing a high-quality product and service to our customers and the chance to be part of a team environment where hard work and results are rewarded. We offer training relevant to our field to support continuous improvement, excellent benefits and opportunities for growth and advancement.
Our core values of integrity, agility, and passion are integral to our culture and therefore the people we hire. Come join our fun, fast-paced, and rewarding team!
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Experience:
- Construction Estimating: 3 years (Preferred)
- Architectural Millwork and Carpentry: 5 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Millwork Estimating: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Chicago, IL (Required)
Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have experience in construction millwork estimating?
- Do you have 5+ years in millwork construction estimating?
Experience:
- Millwork Estimating : 5 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Chicago, IL 60602 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced Finish Carpentry/Millwork Estimator that can prepare bids with little assistance while hitting all assigned due dates. The ideal applicant is one that possesses an analytical mindset with strong math and IT ability.
Thoroughness and reliability are natural traits for this individual.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Proficient in Bluebeam
- Become an expert on our Estimating Template and contribute recommendations for tweaks to the program
- Master reading blueprints and identifying millwork and lineal trim
- Assembles documents for turnover and lead meetings
- Learn how to do take off and bid: Luxury Retail, High-End Residential, High/Mid-Rise Multi-Use Buildings, High-End Restaurants.
- Forward Thinking about how to takeoff bids for ease of review/presentation to Sales and Customers
- With guidance from your Manager how to interpret what we are bidding from off a less than detailed bid document and understand how the manager tweaked your work
- Interact with Client with limited management/sales assistance to answer and clarify any scope discrepancies (RFIs)
- Can write proposals
- Engage in miscellaneous projects assigned or approved by the Director of Estimating.
Qualifications and Experience
- Is organized and has strong communication skills (written and verbal).
- Strong attention to detail.
- Has learned and understands various facets of the construction industry, including but not limited to: Estimating, Project Management, Operations, and Sales.
- Ability to work both autonomously and as part of a large team.
- Inclination to take initiative and jump on problems as they arise; minimizing any lasting impacts on our projects.
- Is not afraid to be challenged, can work under pressure, and has the aptitude to solve intricate problems.
- Ability to compute, analyze, interpret, and report on basic to intermediate statistical information.
Advancement Criteria
- Expert in Bluebeam.
- Need to be able to train others on the Estimating Template
- Learn more complicated millwork bids:
- Multiple Layers of Millwork/Trims/Panels
- Bids which require added supervision due to extra layout for panels/trims millwork to align throughout space
- Higher end spaces/retail/residence
- Has an average score of at least 3.5 on their last ten bid reviews
- Able to produce an estimate from complex shop drawings of a bid with minimal mistakes and questions
- Has gone on multiple Vendor visits
- Has attended at least five job site visits of jobs bid on and completed documentation since being promoted to Estimator 1
- Produce an Estimate from Architectural Bid Docs with no assistance with limited mistakes.
- Learn AWI Architectural Woodwork Standards how it is relevant to what you bid
- Attend at least two AWI events
Company Overview and Culture
Our company, established in 2003, continues to experience significant growth in revenue as well as regionally and is always looking for qualified new team members. We have a mix of long-term and new employees that value our commitment to providing a high-quality product and service to our customers and the chance to be part of a team environment where hard work and results are rewarded. We offer training relevant to our field to support continuous improvement, excellent benefits and opportunities for growth and advancement.
Our core values of integrity, agility, and passion are integral to our culture and therefore the people we hire. Come join our fun, fast-paced, and rewarding team!
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Experience:
- Construction Estimating: 3 years (Preferred)
- Architectural Millwork and Carpentry: 5 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Millwork Estimating: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Chicago, IL (Required)
Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have experience in construction millwork estimating?
- Do you have 5+ years in millwork construction estimating?
Experience:
- Millwork Estimating : 5 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Chicago, IL 60602 (Required)
Work Location: In person
See All 102+ Estimator Jobs in Chicago
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Find Estimator JobsEstimator Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
- Gerber Collision & Glass11
- Focus5
- Jobot5
- Metra5
- Advatix5
Top Industries Hiring
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Technology & Software
Estimator Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a estimator job in Chicago?
The strongest path into estimator work in Chicago is through the city's large general contractors, mechanical and electrical subcontractors, and civil engineering firms that serve infrastructure and transit projects. Concentrating your search in the Loop, West Loop, and suburban industrial corridors gives you the best coverage. Candidates who can demonstrate takeoff software proficiency and familiarity with Chicago's union labor cost structures stand out in this market.
Which companies hire estimators in Chicago?
Companies currently hiring estimators in Chicago include Gerber Collision & Glass, Focus, and Jobot, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's mix of major general contractors, specialty trade firms, and large manufacturers means estimator roles appear across both downtown project management offices and suburban operations hubs.
Are there remote estimator jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though remote availability varies sharply by specialty. Desk-based estimating for commercial fit-out, civil preconstruction, or manufacturing procurement can often be done remotely, while field-heavy or subcontractor roles typically require on-site presence. About 56% of estimator openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with the strongest remote concentration in preconstruction and cost management roles at downtown-headquartered firms.
How can I get a estimator job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Chicago is through estimating coordinator or junior takeoff roles at mid-size general contractors and specialty subcontractors, particularly those handling commercial interiors or mechanical systems. Chicago's active apprenticeship programs through the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters and similar trade organizations also feed entry-level talent into estimating departments. Building fluency in Bluebeam or PlanSwift and pursuing an ASPE student membership strengthens any entry-level application in this market.
Which industries hire the most estimators in Chicago?
The sectors hiring the most estimators in Chicago are Staffing & Recruiting and Technology & Software, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's ongoing transit expansion, dense commercial construction pipeline, and large industrial manufacturing base along the I-55 and I-290 corridors keep consistent estimator demand across all three sectors.
Related Jobs in Illinois
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