Estimator Jobs in Kentucky
Estimator jobs in Kentucky draw consistent demand across construction, manufacturing, and logistics, with openings at every level from entry-level project estimators to senior cost engineers overseeing large-scale bids. Louisville, Lexington, and the Northern Kentucky corridor anchoring Cincinnati are the most active hiring metros in the state, where companies like Messer Construction, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, and Ashland Inc. maintain ongoing estimating needs. Bid estimating, construction cost analysis, and manufacturing procurement estimation are the specialties appearing most often in Kentucky postings. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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For over seven decades investor-owned utilities, municipalities, cooperatives, and others have entrusted their electrical construction and maintenance needs to Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc. (Elliot).
Elliot is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in overhead and underground distribution, transmission, substations, lighting, traffic signaling, utility locating and industrial/commercial services.
Job Description
We are seeking a Substation Estimator candidate to join our team. Candidates will be responsible for reviewing, analyzing and interpreting Contract Documents (specifications, drawings, and reference information) to develop detailed, comprehensive cost estimates for various Substation projects. Candidates will also need to be able to make assumptions based on experience when detailed plans are not provided and front-end estimating is performed based on conceptual designs.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare complete and accurate cost estimates for Substation Construction and Substation Maintenance projects.
- Review construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and bid documents.
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and labor calculations.
- Analyze project requirements, costs, risks, and opportunities to develop competitive bids.
- Maintain estimating databases, cost histories, and pricing information.
- Solicit, review, and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations.
- Develop project scopes, clarifications, and proposal packages.
- Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project reviews.
- Collaborate with operations and project management teams during project turnover and pre-construction activities.
- Ensure estimates are completed accurately and submitted within established deadlines.
Qualifications
Required
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in estimating, project management, or construction.
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
- Working knowledge of construction methods, materials, and Substation industry practices.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- High attention to detail with the ability to recognize discrepancies
- Must be able to pass criminal background check and drug screening
Preferred
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
- Experience estimating electrical or underground construction projects.
- Experience with estimating software, including Accubid or similar platforms.
Benefits/Culture
Today, we are listed among Engineering News-Records Top 150 Specialty Contracting firms. Our success is based on our customers confidence in us; the loyalty, hard work and performance of our people; and the traditions with which Mr. Davis H. Elliot began the company in 1946. We understand that having the best team requires people being treated like family. Some of the benefits we offer our team include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Company Paid Life Insurance w/ additional Voluntary Life Insurance
- 401K w/ company match
- Employee Stock Ownership Program
- State and Federally accredited Lineman Apprenticeship program
- Paid Vacation
- Servant Leadership Training
- Uniforms and PPE provided
For over seven decades investor-owned utilities, municipalities, cooperatives, and others have entrusted their electrical construction and maintenance needs to Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc. (Elliot).
Elliot is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in overhead and underground distribution, transmission, substations, lighting, traffic signaling, utility locating and industrial/commercial services.
Job Description
We are seeking a Substation Estimator candidate to join our team. Candidates will be responsible for reviewing, analyzing and interpreting Contract Documents (specifications, drawings, and reference information) to develop detailed, comprehensive cost estimates for various Substation projects. Candidates will also need to be able to make assumptions based on experience when detailed plans are not provided and front-end estimating is performed based on conceptual designs.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare complete and accurate cost estimates for Substation Construction and Substation Maintenance projects.
- Review construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and bid documents.
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and labor calculations.
- Analyze project requirements, costs, risks, and opportunities to develop competitive bids.
- Maintain estimating databases, cost histories, and pricing information.
- Solicit, review, and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations.
- Develop project scopes, clarifications, and proposal packages.
- Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project reviews.
- Collaborate with operations and project management teams during project turnover and pre-construction activities.
- Ensure estimates are completed accurately and submitted within established deadlines.
Qualifications
Required
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in estimating, project management, or construction.
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
- Working knowledge of construction methods, materials, and Substation industry practices.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- High attention to detail with the ability to recognize discrepancies
- Must be able to pass criminal background check and drug screening
Preferred
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
- Experience estimating electrical or underground construction projects.
- Experience with estimating software, including Accubid or similar platforms.
Benefits/Culture
Today, we are listed among Engineering News-Records Top 150 Specialty Contracting firms. Our success is based on our customers confidence in us; the loyalty, hard work and performance of our people; and the traditions with which Mr. Davis H. Elliot began the company in 1946. We understand that having the best team requires people being treated like family. Some of the benefits we offer our team include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Company Paid Life Insurance w/ additional Voluntary Life Insurance
- 401K w/ company match
- Employee Stock Ownership Program
- State and Federally accredited Lineman Apprenticeship program
- Paid Vacation
- Servant Leadership Training
- Uniforms and PPE provided
See All 37 Estimator Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Estimator JobsEstimator Jobs by City in Kentucky
Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Estimator Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Automotive
- Construction & Real Estate
What Kentucky Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in estimator jobs across Kentucky.
- Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related technical field
- Proficiency in estimating software such as Bluebeam, Sage Estimating, or WinEst
- Demonstrated experience reading construction drawings, specifications, and bid packages
- Strong working knowledge of Kentucky building codes and regional subcontractor markets
- Ability to prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost breakdowns under deadline pressure
- Familiarity with public bid processes including Kentucky state and municipal procurement requirements
Estimator Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a estimator in Kentucky?
Most Kentucky estimator roles require a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a closely related field, though significant field experience can substitute at some employers. Kentucky does not issue a state license specifically for estimators, but many professionals pursue the Certified Professional Estimator credential through the American Society of Professional Estimators, which has an active Kentucky chapter. Starting in a project engineer, purchasing coordinator, or field superintendent role at a Kentucky general contractor or manufacturer is a common entry path that leads directly into estimating.
How much do estimators make in Kentucky?
Estimators in Kentucky earn a median of about $74,880 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $46,410 for the lowest 10% to over $119,530 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire estimators in Kentucky?
Kentucky estimator roles are posted by B&B Concrete, The State, and Caliber and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Kentucky's concentration of large general contractors, automotive manufacturers, and industrial facilities means estimating demand stays active across both the commercial construction and manufacturing sectors throughout the year.
Which Kentucky cities have the most estimator jobs?
Louisville, Lexington, and Frankfort account for the largest share of estimator openings in Kentucky. Louisville drives the most volume as the state's commercial construction hub and home to major logistics and manufacturing headquarters, while Lexington's growing healthcare and university construction pipeline adds steady openings, and Northern Kentucky benefits from its proximity to Cincinnati's large contractor base and cross-river industrial projects.
Are there remote estimator jobs in Kentucky?
Yes, but they're rare. About 22% of estimator openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the fact that most estimating work involves site visits, subcontractor meetings, and hands-on review of local conditions. The portions of the role most likely to be performed remotely are quantity takeoffs, bid document review, and cost database work, while preconstruction coordination and site verification typically require an on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a estimator in Kentucky with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a project engineer, estimating assistant, or purchasing coordinator role at a Kentucky general contractor or manufacturer, then transitioning into estimating after gaining exposure to bid documents and subcontractor scopes. Large Kentucky contractors like Messer Construction and Gray Construction regularly bring on entry-level staff through college recruiting at the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville construction management programs. Completing a pre-apprenticeship through the Kentucky Building Trades or earning an ASPE student membership can also give a candidate a measurable edge over applicants without field credentials.
Where can I find and apply to estimator jobs in Kentucky?
You can find and apply to estimator jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current Kentucky openings in one place. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your experience and specialty, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 37 Estimator Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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