How to hire an auto job estimator

How to hire an auto job estimator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step auto job estimator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an auto job estimator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new auto job estimator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your auto job estimator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an auto job estimator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An auto job estimator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, auto job estimators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of auto job estimators.

   Type of Auto Job Estimator	Description	Hourly rate
   Auto Job Estimator	Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications.	$17-33
   Certified Welding Inspector	A certified welding inspector is primarily in charge of inspecting welding works, ensuring its' strength and quality. Their responsibilities also entail checking safety equipment and materials, understanding project requirements, testing welds to ensure it functions according to its purpose, and evaluating the daily operations of welders to ensure that they adhere to the safety standards and regulations while operating various tools and equipment... Show more	$14-34
   Inspector General	An inspector general is responsible for doing audit reports and inspections to ensure that no possible fraud, misconduct, corruption, or power abuse in the government or private sector occurs. Their role is to monitor and inspect the agencies' effectiveness, assess possible mismanagement of a company, and improve the economy... Show more	$14-35

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Customer Service
   • CCC
   • Body Shop
   • I-Car
   • Auto Body Repair
   • Vehicle Inspections
   • CSI
   • Damage Reports
   • Vehicle Damage
   • Insurance Claims
   • Repair Orders
   • OEM
   • DRP
   • ADP

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage the estimating of a commercial & industrial plumbing and mechanical contracting business.
   • Obtain measurements, photos and documentation to process remotely Xactimate estimates to submit for insurance and customer approval.
   • Handle post sale inspections, maintain great arbitration rate.Virus-free.
   • Act as the liaison between SGS customers and their customers.
   • Document damage through the use of digital photography and SGS equipment.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your auto job estimator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An auto job estimator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, auto job estimators' average salary in alabama is 50% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level auto job estimators 47% less than senior-level auto job estimators.
   • Certifications. An auto job estimator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an auto job estimator's salary.

   Average auto job estimator salary

   $51,333yearly

   $24.68 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level auto job estimator salary

   $37,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing an auto job estimator job description

   A good auto job estimator job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of an auto job estimator job description:

   Auto job estimator job description example

   This position is eligible for up to $2,000 in Welcome Bonuses throughout the first year of employment.
   An additional Sign On Bonus will apply as well.
   
   Effective 12/27/2021, New York City implemented a COVID-19 vaccination mandate for all private sector workers who perform in person work or who interact with the public in the course of business within the five boroughs of the City. All covered workers must either provide proof of being fully vaccinated or have an approved reasonable accommodation due to disability or religious belief.
   
   We are not just offering a job but a meaningful career! Come join our passionate team!
   
   As a Fortune 50 company, we hire the best employees to serve our customers, making us a leader in the insurance and financial services industry. State Farm embraces diversity and inclusion to ensure a workforce that is engaged, builds on the strengths and talents of all associates, and creates a Good Neighbor culture.
   
   We offer competitive benefits and pay with the potential for an annual financial award based on both individual and enterprise performance. Our employees have an opportunity to participate in volunteer events within the community and engage in a learning culture. We offer programs to assist with tuition reimbursement, professional designations, employee development, wellness initiatives, and more!
   
   Visit our Careers page for more information on our benefits , locations and the process of joining the State Farm team!
   
   Responsibilities
   
   Appraisers perform a variety of duties. To name a few, perform vehicle inspections, prepare repair estimates, determine items that are not payable, issue claim payments and verify that repairs are completed accordingly. Communication and Customer Service are so important!
   
   This work can be complex and technical so explaining the extent of vehicle damage and what it will take to fix the vehicle in terms a customer can understand is necessary.
   
   Additional Responsibilities:
   Utilizes automated estimating systems to prepare repair estimates. Review supplement requests and make subsequent adjustments to estimates. Provides technical support to claim handlers on vehicle repair issues. Uses estimating vendor tools and the Enterprise Claims System (ECS). Applies knowledge of market value and other factors affecting reparability issues. Refers information on possible vehicle total loss claims to the appropriate contact. Evaluates bid content and photo documentation, vehicle damage, causation issues, and potential suspicious loss indicators. Completes necessary claim file documentation in ECS in support of subsequent claim handling. Applies thorough understanding of Standard Claim Process and Auto Damage Service Programs (ADSP). Continuously develops professional/technical expertise regarding vehicle repair trends, automated estimating systems, repair techniques, tools, and other industry-related topics.
   Qualifications
   
   MUST reside in/near the following cities in the Metro NY areas
   
   This is not negotiable.
   
   *West Chester, NY
   
   *Bronx, NY
   
   *Brooklyn, NY
   
   *Nassau County, NY
   
   *Metro NYC
   
   We Are Looking for Candidates With:
   Auto collision repair, auto damage estimating, and/or auto insurance appraiser experience are required. Ability to adequately evaluate vehicle damage and create repair estimates which may require stooping, bending, and some physical lifting. Excellent communication and customer service skills. Ability to vary work locations to include home, vehicle, or other locations suitable for completion of assigned responsibilities. Motor Vehicle Physical Damage Appraiser License (preferred).
   Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. / Monday - Friday. Employees in these roles may be expected to work irregular hours, including weekends. Periodic overtime may also be required.
   
   Travel Requirements: This job may require significant driving to multiple auto repair facilities, salvage yards, and customer homes. Day travel outside of immediate area listed on job location should also be expected, as well as occasional need for overnight travel. Must have a valid driver's license. A company car may be provided for business use only.
   
   Training Details: Paid training is provided through web-based applications and classroom training. This may require overnight travel for up to two weeks at a time.
   
   Licensing (if required): Continued employment is contingent upon meeting requirements necessary to obtain appropriate state(s) mandated licenses. This includes successfully completing all applicable licensing exam(s), background checks & MVRs required of various state(s). Failure to do so may result in rescission of job offer and/or termination.
   
   Next Steps: Competitive candidates may be invited to participate in pre-employment testing and/or the interview process. This is where the excitement begins!
   
   Benefits: Learn more about our benefits at State Farm Careers!
   
   PMCL
   
   PI193978848

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5. Post your job

   To find the right auto job estimator for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with auto job estimators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit auto job estimators who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your auto job estimator job on Zippia to find and recruit auto job estimator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit auto job estimators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new auto job estimator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the auto job estimator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new auto job estimator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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