Estimator Jobs in Michigan
Estimator jobs in Michigan are in strong demand, concentrated in construction, automotive manufacturing, and industrial contracting, with openings at every level from entry-level project estimator through senior cost estimator and chief estimator. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing anchor the largest share of hiring, where major employers like Barton Malow, Walbridge, and General Motors regularly bring on estimating talent for large-scale commercial, civil, and automotive facility projects. The most sought-after specialties in Michigan right now are construction cost estimating, mechanical and electrical systems estimating, and automotive production cost analysis. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 127+ Estimator jobs
The Opportunity
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled Senior Estimator to join Walbridge. In this role you will coordinate full estimating service efforts for all Construction Specification Institute (CSI) divisions on large, complex work within Lump Sum, Design Build and Construction Management contractual formats. You will interpret designs, drawings, specifications, and other contract documents, as well as being able to operate across multiple delivery systems or be very proficient in one specific type of system.
Location
Responsibilities:
Your Key Responsibilities
- Proposal Reviews: Reviewing proposal specifications, drawings, attending pre-bid meetings to determine scope of work and required contents of estimate.
- Scope Development: Developing and understanding scope requirements and issuing subcontracts for heavy industrial “supporting” trades, such as boilermaker, steel, concrete, piping, and electrical work. Writing proper scopes of work during the bidding phase and upon award, engage in subcontractor proposal review meetings, with ultimate responsibility of final evaluation and negotiation of subcontracts.
- Cost Preparation: Preparing cost estimate and bid documents for construction projects or services that are used by management in preparation of the bidding process. Ensuring accuracy and completeness of estimate and proposals.
- Strategic Planning: Identifying competitive edge strategies and follow through to project award. Also identifying, reviewing, and communicating contractual requirements such as risk factors, schedule, insurance, bonding, and penalties with supervisors and developing an action plan for the estimate and project construction.
To qualify for the role, you must have
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, construction management or related program is preferred, or equivalent professional training and experience with high school diploma.
- A minimum of five years of estimating, preconstruction or related general construction management experience.
- Proficiency in computer estimating applications (Excel, Estimating Software).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ideally, you’ll also have
- Excellent organizational skills to coordinate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
- Experience using Microsoft Project or Primavera.
Skills and attributes for success
- Established technical knowledge, encompassing construction and estimating processes.
- Proficiency in budget management, financial forecasting, and resource allocation.
- Experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks.
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments and adapt to changing project requirements.
Excited to make an impact? Appy now by clicking the “Submit for this job online” button below! We cannot wait to hear from you!
EEO/AA Employer M/F/D/V:Walbridge is an equal opportunity employer with a culture that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, status as an individual with a disability, military, or protected veteran status or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning career development, recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, termination, promotions, or any other condition of employment.
The Opportunity
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled Senior Estimator to join Walbridge. In this role you will coordinate full estimating service efforts for all Construction Specification Institute (CSI) divisions on large, complex work within Lump Sum, Design Build and Construction Management contractual formats. You will interpret designs, drawings, specifications, and other contract documents, as well as being able to operate across multiple delivery systems or be very proficient in one specific type of system.
Location
Responsibilities:
Your Key Responsibilities
- Proposal Reviews: Reviewing proposal specifications, drawings, attending pre-bid meetings to determine scope of work and required contents of estimate.
- Scope Development: Developing and understanding scope requirements and issuing subcontracts for heavy industrial “supporting” trades, such as boilermaker, steel, concrete, piping, and electrical work. Writing proper scopes of work during the bidding phase and upon award, engage in subcontractor proposal review meetings, with ultimate responsibility of final evaluation and negotiation of subcontracts.
- Cost Preparation: Preparing cost estimate and bid documents for construction projects or services that are used by management in preparation of the bidding process. Ensuring accuracy and completeness of estimate and proposals.
- Strategic Planning: Identifying competitive edge strategies and follow through to project award. Also identifying, reviewing, and communicating contractual requirements such as risk factors, schedule, insurance, bonding, and penalties with supervisors and developing an action plan for the estimate and project construction.
To qualify for the role, you must have
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, construction management or related program is preferred, or equivalent professional training and experience with high school diploma.
- A minimum of five years of estimating, preconstruction or related general construction management experience.
- Proficiency in computer estimating applications (Excel, Estimating Software).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ideally, you’ll also have
- Excellent organizational skills to coordinate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
- Experience using Microsoft Project or Primavera.
Skills and attributes for success
- Established technical knowledge, encompassing construction and estimating processes.
- Proficiency in budget management, financial forecasting, and resource allocation.
- Experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks.
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments and adapt to changing project requirements.
Excited to make an impact? Appy now by clicking the “Submit for this job online” button below! We cannot wait to hear from you!
EEO/AA Employer M/F/D/V:Walbridge is an equal opportunity employer with a culture that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, status as an individual with a disability, military, or protected veteran status or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning career development, recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, termination, promotions, or any other condition of employment.
See All 127+ Estimator Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Estimator JobsEstimator Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Estimator Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Gerber Collision & Glass16
- Volarify5
- Lee Industrial Contracting4
- Jobot3
- BELFOR3
Top Industries Hiring
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Manufacturing
- Chemicals & Materials
- Construction & Real Estate
- Government & Public Sector
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in estimator jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a closely related field preferred
- Demonstrated experience reading and interpreting construction drawings and project specifications
- Proficiency with estimating software such as Bluebeam, Procore, or Timberline
- Strong knowledge of Michigan building codes, material costs, and local subcontractor markets
- Ability to prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and competitive bid packages independently
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with project managers and clients
Estimator Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a estimator in Michigan?
Most estimators in Michigan enter the field with a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related discipline from programs at Michigan State University, Lawrence Technological University, or Ferris State University. Michigan does not require a state-issued license specific to cost estimating, but employers strongly value professional credentials such as the Certified Professional Estimator designation from the American Society of Professional Estimators, which has an active Michigan chapter offering local exam support and networking.
How much do estimators make in Michigan?
Estimators in Michigan earn a median of about $77,990 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $46,660 for the lowest 10% to over $125,520 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire estimators in Michigan?
Employers hiring estimators in Michigan right now include Gerber Collision & Glass, Volarify, and Lee Industrial Contracting, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Michigan's deep concentration of large general contractors, automotive OEMs, and heavy industrial firms means estimating roles appear across a wide range of project types and company sizes.
Which Michigan cities have the most estimator jobs?
Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Troy account for the most estimator openings in Michigan. Detroit drives the largest volume through its dense base of commercial construction firms, automotive headquarters, and industrial facilities, while Grand Rapids reflects strong regional growth in healthcare construction and manufacturing, and Lansing draws demand from state government infrastructure projects and mid-Michigan contractors.
Are there remote estimator jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since estimating often involves site visits, subcontractor meetings, and hands-on plan reviews. About 23% of estimator openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and the work most suited to remote arrangements is the quantification, spreadsheet modeling, and bid-writing phases that don't require physical site presence.
How can I get hired as a estimator in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for an estimating coordinator or junior estimator role at a mid-size Michigan general contractor or specialty subcontractor, where on-the-job mentorship is common. Large Michigan firms like Barton Malow and Walbridge run structured project management and estimating rotational programs for recent graduates. A degree in construction management or engineering gives a strong edge, and candidates without one can move into estimating from related roles such as project engineer, field superintendent assistant, or procurement coordinator.
Where can I find and apply to estimator jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to estimator jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings across construction, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. Search the available roles, find positions that match your experience and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 127+ Estimator Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Estimator Jobs