Senior Cost Estimator Jobs in California
Senior Cost Estimator jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in construction, aerospace and defense, transportation infrastructure, and commercial development, with demand running from project estimator roles through senior and chief estimator positions. The largest hiring markets are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where established employers like Bechtel, Jacobs Engineering, and Turner Construction have deep and ongoing California operations. The most consistent openings are in heavy civil and infrastructure, commercial construction, and defense systems programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Senior Cost Estimator JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 19+ Senior Cost Estimator jobs
- | Full-Time
THE WORK:
- You'll perform more complex assignments and lead a team of estimators engaged in the following:
- Preparing pre-design cost estimates based on scope and project type.
- Preparing construction cost estimates from drawings, outlines, and specifications on a variety of project types.
- You'll review contractor and consultant cost proposals.
- You'll negotiate change orders.
- Onsite at client site: The work location for this role is onsite with our clients and partners to enable delivery and cultivate our client relationships.
$166,000 - $182,000 a year
HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
- 10 years or more of estimating experience related to both engineering and construction projects
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management or related field
- Certified estimating professional credential required
BONUS POINTS IF YOU HAVE:
- Knowledge of Prolog and other Project Management Systems is preferred
- Experience managing a team of cost estimators
- Demonstrated experience with complex estimate reconciliations and change order negotiations
- Demonstrated experience in getting independent estimates from vendors/contractors as check estimates against contractor proposal estimated costs and negotiations
- Comprehensive knowledge of construction-related processes, as well as a thorough knowledge of industry practices
- Self-starter attitude with proved results-oriented focus
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Must possess the ability to effectively interact with various departments to maintain open lines of communication
- Comfortable operating in a team-oriented, collaborative work environment
- Produce accurate and timely results while maintaining a customer service attitude
- Must be detail oriented and highly organized
- Demonstrated experience working on multiple projects at the same time
- Experience working with outside agencies i.e., FAA, General Services division, LADBS, LADWP, etc.
Los Angeles, CA
Requesting an Accommodation
Accenture is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities or religious observances, including reasonable accommodation when needed. If you are hired by Accenture and require accommodation to perform the essential functions of your role, you will be asked to participate in our reasonable accommodation process. Accommodations made to facilitate the recruiting process are not a guarantee of future or continued accommodations once hired.
If you would like to be considered for employment opportunities with Accenture and have accommodation needs such as for a disability or religious observance, please call us toll free at 1 (877) 889-9009 or send us an email or speak with your recruiter.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law. Our rich diversity makes us more innovative, more competitive, and more creative, which helps us better serve our clients and our communities.
Accenture is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
Accenture is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women.
Other Employment Statements
Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.
Candidates who are currently employed by a client of Accenture or an affiliated Accenture business may not be eligible for consideration.
Job candidates will not be obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest as part of the hiring process. Further, at Accenture a criminal conviction history is not an absolute bar to employment.
The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Additionally, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the Company's legal duty to furnish information.
California requires additional notifications for applicants and employees. If you are a California resident, live in or plan to work from Los Angeles County upon being hired for this position, please for additional important information.
Please read Accenture’s Recruiting and Hiring Statement for more information on how we process your data during the Recruiting and Hiring process.
We work with one shared purpose: to deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity. Every day, more than 775,000 of us help our stakeholders continuously reinvent. Together, we drive positive change and deliver value to our clients, partners, shareholders, communities, and each other.
We believe that delivering value requires innovation, and innovation thrives in an inclusive and diverse environment. We actively foster a workplace free from bias, where everyone feels a sense of belonging and is respected and empowered to do their best work.
At Accenture, we see well-being holistically, supporting our people’s physical, mental, and financial health. We also provide opportunities to keep skills relevant through certifications, learning, and diverse work experiences. We’re proud to be consistently recognized as one of the World’s Best Workplaces™.
Join Accenture to work at the heart of change. Visit us at www.accenture.com.
- | Full-Time
THE WORK:
- You'll perform more complex assignments and lead a team of estimators engaged in the following:
- Preparing pre-design cost estimates based on scope and project type.
- Preparing construction cost estimates from drawings, outlines, and specifications on a variety of project types.
- You'll review contractor and consultant cost proposals.
- You'll negotiate change orders.
- Onsite at client site: The work location for this role is onsite with our clients and partners to enable delivery and cultivate our client relationships.
$166,000 - $182,000 a year
HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
- 10 years or more of estimating experience related to both engineering and construction projects
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management or related field
- Certified estimating professional credential required
BONUS POINTS IF YOU HAVE:
- Knowledge of Prolog and other Project Management Systems is preferred
- Experience managing a team of cost estimators
- Demonstrated experience with complex estimate reconciliations and change order negotiations
- Demonstrated experience in getting independent estimates from vendors/contractors as check estimates against contractor proposal estimated costs and negotiations
- Comprehensive knowledge of construction-related processes, as well as a thorough knowledge of industry practices
- Self-starter attitude with proved results-oriented focus
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Must possess the ability to effectively interact with various departments to maintain open lines of communication
- Comfortable operating in a team-oriented, collaborative work environment
- Produce accurate and timely results while maintaining a customer service attitude
- Must be detail oriented and highly organized
- Demonstrated experience working on multiple projects at the same time
- Experience working with outside agencies i.e., FAA, General Services division, LADBS, LADWP, etc.
Los Angeles, CA
Requesting an Accommodation
Accenture is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities or religious observances, including reasonable accommodation when needed. If you are hired by Accenture and require accommodation to perform the essential functions of your role, you will be asked to participate in our reasonable accommodation process. Accommodations made to facilitate the recruiting process are not a guarantee of future or continued accommodations once hired.
If you would like to be considered for employment opportunities with Accenture and have accommodation needs such as for a disability or religious observance, please call us toll free at 1 (877) 889-9009 or send us an email or speak with your recruiter.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law. Our rich diversity makes us more innovative, more competitive, and more creative, which helps us better serve our clients and our communities.
Accenture is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
Accenture is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women.
Other Employment Statements
Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.
Candidates who are currently employed by a client of Accenture or an affiliated Accenture business may not be eligible for consideration.
Job candidates will not be obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest as part of the hiring process. Further, at Accenture a criminal conviction history is not an absolute bar to employment.
The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Additionally, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the Company's legal duty to furnish information.
California requires additional notifications for applicants and employees. If you are a California resident, live in or plan to work from Los Angeles County upon being hired for this position, please for additional important information.
Please read Accenture’s Recruiting and Hiring Statement for more information on how we process your data during the Recruiting and Hiring process.
We work with one shared purpose: to deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity. Every day, more than 775,000 of us help our stakeholders continuously reinvent. Together, we drive positive change and deliver value to our clients, partners, shareholders, communities, and each other.
We believe that delivering value requires innovation, and innovation thrives in an inclusive and diverse environment. We actively foster a workplace free from bias, where everyone feels a sense of belonging and is respected and empowered to do their best work.
At Accenture, we see well-being holistically, supporting our people’s physical, mental, and financial health. We also provide opportunities to keep skills relevant through certifications, learning, and diverse work experiences. We’re proud to be consistently recognized as one of the World’s Best Workplaces™.
Join Accenture to work at the heart of change. Visit us at www.accenture.com.
See All 19 Senior Cost Estimator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Senior Cost Estimator JobsSenior Cost Estimator Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Cost Estimator Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior cost estimator jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related technical field
- Five or more years of estimating experience on commercial, civil, or industrial projects
- Proficiency in estimating software such as HCSS, Timberline, or Bluebeam Revu
- Demonstrated ability to lead bid preparation and manage full estimate lifecycle
- Strong knowledge of California labor, subcontractor, and material cost structures
- CCE or CPE certification from AACE International preferred or required by many employers
Senior Cost Estimator Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior cost estimator in California?
The path to a senior cost estimator role in California typically starts with a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field, followed by several years of progressive estimating experience in a California market. There is no state-issued license for estimators in California, but most employers expect AACE International certification such as the CCE or CPE. Gaining experience on California-specific project types like public works, transit, or high-density commercial construction accelerates advancement.
How much do senior cost estimators make in California?
Senior cost estimators in California earn a median of about $85,460 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $51,750 for the lowest 10% to over $150,790 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire senior cost estimators in California?
Employers hiring senior cost estimators in California right now include Turner & Townsend, Turner & Townsend Pty Limited, and Logic, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's volume of large public infrastructure programs, defense contracts, and commercial development keeps demand for experienced estimators steady across both general contractors and owner-side organizations.
Which California cities have the most senior cost estimator jobs?
The cities with the most senior cost estimator openings in California are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Cupertino. Los Angeles and San Diego drive volume through large-scale transportation, defense, and commercial construction programs, while the San Francisco Bay Area concentrates demand around infrastructure, transit, and technology campus development, each drawing major contractors and engineering firms with permanent California operations.
Are there remote senior cost estimator jobs in California?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields because cost estimating for construction and infrastructure frequently requires site visits, subcontractor meetings, and hands-on quantity takeoffs. About 36% of senior cost estimator openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in preconstruction planning, owner-side program management, and defense cost analysis roles where the work is more analytical than field-dependent.
How can I get hired as a senior cost estimator in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is an assistant or junior estimator role with a mid-size California general contractor or subcontractor, where you support senior staff on takeoffs and bid assembly while building field-specific knowledge. Large California construction firms including Hensel Phelps, McCarthy Building Companies, and Clark Construction run structured preconstruction or estimating rotational programs that accept candidates from construction management programs. Pursuing AACE's Certified Cost Technician credential and demonstrating proficiency in Bluebeam or On-Center software gives candidates without direct estimating experience a measurable advantage.
Where can I find and apply to senior cost estimator jobs in California?
You can find and apply to senior cost estimator jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, specialty, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 19 Senior Cost Estimator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Senior Cost Estimator Jobs