H-1B Visa Estimator Jobs
Estimator roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field. Large general contractors, specialty subcontractors, and engineering firms regularly file LCAs for estimating positions. Your degree field and the employer's prevailing wage compliance are the two factors that determine whether your offer converts to a petition.
Find H-1B Visa Estimator JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 1,149+ Estimator jobs
See all 1,149+ Estimator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Estimator roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The future you want is within reach. Let’s build it together.
At PCL Buildings Inc., part of the PCL Family of Companies (PCL), we don’t just build projects—we build opportunities, careers and communities. We are 100% employee-owned, every employee has a stake in our success, and that shared commitment drives how we work, grow and lead in the construction industry.
We’re a team of builders who care deeply about what we create and who we build it with. That includes you. We are not only investing in what’s next in construction, we are investing in what’s next for your career.
Why Choose PCL?
Choose a career with rewards that matter. PCL’s total rewards are designed to support your growth, well-being and future success—because when you succeed, we all do.
Our offerings could include:
- Employee ownership opportunities that build long-term value
- Annual discretionary performance bonuses
- 401(k) with company match
- Industry-leading medical, dental and vision benefits
- Prescription drug coverage and telemedicine services
- Life, AD&D and disability insurance
- Paid parental leave and family care support
- HSA or FSA for healthcare, dependent care and transportation
- Mental health and wellness support, including Employee Assistance Programs
- Career growth pathways, leadership development and mentorship programs
- Access to world-class training through PCL’s College of Construction and professional development courses
- Ongoing opportunities to learn new skills, explore different roles and grow your career across sectors and regions
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Here's how a Estimator - Phoenix Buildings for PCL Buildings Inc. within Phoenix Buildings contributes to our team:
- Leads small to medium estimates or components of large estimates and reviews all associated bid documents.
- Conducts detailed analysis of contract documents and specifications to determine and validate overall project requirements.
- Ensures the completion of full quantity take-offs of all labor, equipment, and materials from project documents.
- Supports the estimate lead by populating tender forms, generating requests for information, anticipating proposal requirements, and assisting to establish a pursuit schedule.
- Recognizes risks related to project specific requirement, site, schedule and market conditions/constraints. Uses contract terms to identify risks and opportunities.
- Assists with bid document control by documenting, organizing, and archiving all information relating to the estimate for successful transfer to the project team.
- Performs bid-day assignments and supports other estimators to successfully close various scopes.
- Develops and maintains strong relationships with all stakeholders including lead estimator, lead bid runner, subtrade partners and suppliers.
- Solicits competitive pricing from subtrade partners and suppliers for pursuit support.
- Establishes a critical path schedule for the estimate/pursuit.
- Leads a small team including mentoring and coaching indirect reports.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma in related discipline or trade experience or equivalent.
- 4 years of progressive experience in construction cost estimating, and 6 months of on-site experience is preferred.
- Successfully led pursuits valued at up to $25 million in various delivery methods.
- General construction knowledge; understands specifications, drawings, materials, and methods and procedures.
- Intermediate knowledge of key principles involved in bid preparation; including quantity takeoff procedures and systems, subtrade partner procurement, pricing, interdepartmental functions, general expense philosophy and bid-closing procedures.
- Understanding of compensation models, market conditions, business trends, internal historical information, and competitors.
- Familiar with different delivery methods: hard bid, guaranteed maximum price (GMP), unit price, design-build, target prices, and cost reimbursable.
- Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with stakeholders including the ability to solicit subtrade partners and suppliers.
- Working knowledge of estimating software, advanced skills using Microsoft Office Suite and a strong aptitude for adopting new technology.
YOUR WORK HAS PURPOSE HERE
PCL projects are where life happens, where communities connect, careers begin, and progress is made. Regardless of the type of project, we are building something bigger: a future that's inclusive, resilient and full of opportunity.
At PCL Buildings Inc., we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs. We value the diverse experiences, identities and perspectives our employees bring. Employment decisions are based on merit, potential and the drive to make a difference, regardless of race, gender, age, ability or background.
We know everyone's needs are different, if you require accommodation during the application process, please contact careers@pcl.com and include the position and location of interest.
COMPANY: PCL Buildings Inc.
PRIMARY LOCATION: Tempe, Arizona
JOB TITLE: Estimator - Phoenix Buildings
REQUISITION ID: 12990
NEAREST MAJOR MARKET: Phoenix
INTRODUCTION
The future you want is within reach. Let’s build it together.
At PCL Buildings Inc., part of the PCL Family of Companies (PCL), we don’t just build projects—we build opportunities, careers and communities. We are 100% employee-owned, every employee has a stake in our success, and that shared commitment drives how we work, grow and lead in the construction industry.
We’re a team of builders who care deeply about what we create and who we build it with. That includes you. We are not only investing in what’s next in construction, we are investing in what’s next for your career.
Why Choose PCL?
Choose a career with rewards that matter. PCL’s total rewards are designed to support your growth, well-being and future success—because when you succeed, we all do.
Our offerings could include:
- Employee ownership opportunities that build long-term value
- Annual discretionary performance bonuses
- 401(k) with company match
- Industry-leading medical, dental and vision benefits
- Prescription drug coverage and telemedicine services
- Life, AD&D and disability insurance
- Paid parental leave and family care support
- HSA or FSA for healthcare, dependent care and transportation
- Mental health and wellness support, including Employee Assistance Programs
- Career growth pathways, leadership development and mentorship programs
- Access to world-class training through PCL’s College of Construction and professional development courses
- Ongoing opportunities to learn new skills, explore different roles and grow your career across sectors and regions
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Here's how a Estimator - Phoenix Buildings for PCL Buildings Inc. within Phoenix Buildings contributes to our team:
- Leads small to medium estimates or components of large estimates and reviews all associated bid documents.
- Conducts detailed analysis of contract documents and specifications to determine and validate overall project requirements.
- Ensures the completion of full quantity take-offs of all labor, equipment, and materials from project documents.
- Supports the estimate lead by populating tender forms, generating requests for information, anticipating proposal requirements, and assisting to establish a pursuit schedule.
- Recognizes risks related to project specific requirement, site, schedule and market conditions/constraints. Uses contract terms to identify risks and opportunities.
- Assists with bid document control by documenting, organizing, and archiving all information relating to the estimate for successful transfer to the project team.
- Performs bid-day assignments and supports other estimators to successfully close various scopes.
- Develops and maintains strong relationships with all stakeholders including lead estimator, lead bid runner, subtrade partners and suppliers.
- Solicits competitive pricing from subtrade partners and suppliers for pursuit support.
- Establishes a critical path schedule for the estimate/pursuit.
- Leads a small team including mentoring and coaching indirect reports.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma in related discipline or trade experience or equivalent.
- 4 years of progressive experience in construction cost estimating, and 6 months of on-site experience is preferred.
- Successfully led pursuits valued at up to $25 million in various delivery methods.
- General construction knowledge; understands specifications, drawings, materials, and methods and procedures.
- Intermediate knowledge of key principles involved in bid preparation; including quantity takeoff procedures and systems, subtrade partner procurement, pricing, interdepartmental functions, general expense philosophy and bid-closing procedures.
- Understanding of compensation models, market conditions, business trends, internal historical information, and competitors.
- Familiar with different delivery methods: hard bid, guaranteed maximum price (GMP), unit price, design-build, target prices, and cost reimbursable.
- Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with stakeholders including the ability to solicit subtrade partners and suppliers.
- Working knowledge of estimating software, advanced skills using Microsoft Office Suite and a strong aptitude for adopting new technology.
YOUR WORK HAS PURPOSE HERE
PCL projects are where life happens, where communities connect, careers begin, and progress is made. Regardless of the type of project, we are building something bigger: a future that's inclusive, resilient and full of opportunity.
At PCL Buildings Inc., we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs. We value the diverse experiences, identities and perspectives our employees bring. Employment decisions are based on merit, potential and the drive to make a difference, regardless of race, gender, age, ability or background.
We know everyone's needs are different, if you require accommodation during the application process, please contact careers@pcl.com and include the position and location of interest.
COMPANY: PCL Buildings Inc.
PRIMARY LOCATION: Tempe, Arizona
JOB TITLE: Estimator - Phoenix Buildings
REQUISITION ID: 12990
NEAREST MAJOR MARKET: Phoenix
See all 1,149+ H-1B Visa Estimator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Estimator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Estimator
Verify your degree supports specialty occupation
USCIS requires that an Estimator role normally require a bachelor's degree in a specific field like construction management, civil engineering, or quantity surveying. A general business degree alone may trigger an RFE, so confirm your employer's job description explicitly states a field-specific requirement.
Check prevailing wage before accepting offers
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the Level I through Level IV wage for Estimators under SOC code 13-1051 in your work location. If the offered salary falls below Level I, the employer can't file a compliant LCA, which blocks the H-1B petition entirely.
Target employers with active LCA filing history
Search Migrate Mate to filter Estimator roles by employers who have filed LCAs for this occupation. Companies with repeat filings in construction, infrastructure, and engineering sectors already understand the process and are less likely to withdraw sponsorship mid-petition.
Document project scope and technical complexity
When your employer builds the H-1B petition, USCIS scrutinizes whether the Estimator role genuinely requires a degree. Gather project documentation showing cost modeling, bid analysis, or systems like Procore or Timberline that require specialized training, not just work experience alone.
Understand how project-based work affects your status
Estimators who move between job sites must have LCA certifications that cover each worksite location. If your employer wins a contract in a new state, DOL requires an amended or new LCA before you work there, which adds processing time to your timeline.
File premium processing if your start date is fixed
USCIS offers 15-business-day adjudication through premium processing for an additional fee. Estimating roles often have project-tied start dates, so a delayed decision can affect bid commitments. Confirm with your employer early whether they'll cover this cost before the petition is submitted.
H-1B Visa Estimator: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Estimator role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
It can qualify, but it's not automatic. USCIS evaluates whether the specific Estimator position normally requires a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as construction management, civil engineering, or architecture. Roles that accept any degree or substitute extensive experience for a degree are at higher risk of an RFE. Your employer's job description must clearly tie the position to a field-specific educational requirement.
Which industries sponsor H-1B visas most often for Estimator roles?
General contractors, specialty subcontractors, engineering and design-build firms, and infrastructure consultancies are the most consistent H-1B sponsors for Estimators. Defense contractors and large commercial developers also file regularly. You can filter by employer and occupation on Migrate Mate to see which companies have active LCA filings specifically for estimating and cost management roles.
What happens to my H-1B status if I'm moved between project sites?
DOL requires a certified LCA for each location where you work for more than 30 continuous days or 60 non-continuous days in a year. If your employer sends you to a new city or state on a project, they need to file a new or amended LCA covering that worksite before you begin work there. Short-term travel under those thresholds is generally exempt, but confirm the specifics with your employer's immigration counsel.
Can I switch employers mid-H-1B while working as an Estimator?
Yes. Under H-1B portability rules, you can start working for a new employer as soon as they file an H-1B transfer petition, without waiting for approval, provided you've been in valid H-1B status and the petition is non-frivolous. The new employer must file their own LCA covering the Estimator role and location, and the offered wage must meet DOL prevailing wage requirements for that position.
How does the O*NET classification affect my H-1B petition as an Estimator?
USCIS references O*NET job zone classifications when evaluating specialty occupation status. The O*NET profile for Cost Estimators (SOC 13-1051) places the role in Job Zone 4, which corresponds to substantial education requirements. Your employer's petition should align the job duties with the O*NET description and cite the degree requirement directly. Deviations between your actual duties and the O*NET profile can invite additional scrutiny.