How to hire a chief estimator

How to hire a chief estimator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step chief estimator hiring guide:

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

What does a chief estimator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the chief estimator you need to hire. Certain chief estimator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A chief estimator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, chief 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.

   The following list breaks down different types of chief estimators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Chief Estimator	Description	Hourly rate
   Chief Estimator	Cost estimators collect and analyze data in order to estimate the time, money, materials, and labor required to manufacture a product, construct a building, or provide a service. They generally specialize in a particular product or industry.	$32-68
   Estimator Project Manager	An estimator project manager is responsible for analyzing cost estimates by gathering cost information from suppliers and other third-party vendors. An estimator project manager must have excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills, especially with measurement accuracy and evaluating important project metrics... Show more	$25-49
   Estimating Manager	An estimating manager will oversee the day-to-day activities of the estimating department. Your duties typically include implementing technical estimating procedures and standards and overseeing the project estimator's work... Show more	$29-71

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Construction Management
   • Cost Estimates
   • Project Management
   • Design-Build
   • General Contractors
   • Value Engineering
   • Construction Projects
   • Business Development
   • HCSS
   • Screen Takeoff
   • Cost Control
   • GMP
   • Plumbing
   • Quantity Take-Offs

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage team of quoting specialists and control the overall quotation processes for all RFQ's.
   • Prepare equipment & HVAC installation estimates.
   • Conduct an audits program on an HVAC subcontractor that save the client $120m in back charges.
   • Develop and update Primavera scheduling and cost-control for electrical and mechanical activities in accordance with owner and general contractor planning strategies.
   • Order parts and supplies from various vendors, OEM and aftermarket.
   • Negotiate with OEM cost estimators on all new business pricing to finalize product pricing quotes.

   More chief estimator duties

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, chief estimators' average salary in kentucky is 45% less than in vermont.
   • Seniority. Entry-level chief estimators 53% less than senior-level chief estimators.
   • Certifications. A chief 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 a chief estimator's salary.

   Average chief estimator salary

   $98,498yearly

   $47.35 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level chief estimator salary

   $67,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

   Average chief estimator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$124,714	$60
   2	Massachusetts	$110,249	$53
   3	Virginia	$105,298	$51
   4	Washington	$103,133	$50
   5	Utah	$100,146	$48
   6	New York	$93,284	$45
   7	Maryland	$91,137	$44
   8	New Jersey	$86,203	$41
   9	Illinois	$80,139	$39
   10	Indiana	$79,924	$38
   11	Michigan	$79,836	$38
   12	Colorado	$78,352	$38
   13	South Carolina	$77,868	$37
   14	Georgia	$77,504	$37
   15	Florida	$77,159	$37
   16	Ohio	$76,842	$37
   17	Texas	$75,853	$36

   Average chief estimator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Payscale	$120,369	$57.87
   2	Parsons	$119,030	$57.23	14
   3	Chiyoda International	$104,897	$50.43
   4	CyberCoders	$103,074	$49.55	22
   5	EMCOR Group	$98,828	$47.51	90
   6	Monster Products	$98,498	$47.35
   7	GPAC	$93,433	$44.92
   8	Randstad North America, Inc.	$90,288	$43.41
   9	Weifield Group Contracting	$89,929	$43.24
   10	New York City School Construction Authority	$88,468	$42.53
   11	Lafarge North America	$88,136	$42.37
   12	LVI Holding Corporation	$88,073	$42.34	2
   13	Clark Construction Group	$87,985	$42.30	15
   14	Holcim	$86,762	$41.71
   15	Swinerton	$86,596	$41.63	25
   16	Jobot	$85,855	$41.28
   17	PLS	$85,675	$41.19
   18	TEAM	$84,952	$40.84
   19	Ideal Contracting	$84,800	$40.77
   20	Construction Innovations	$84,212	$40.49

4. Writing a chief estimator job description

   A job description for a chief estimator role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a chief estimator job description:

   Chief estimator job description example

   USD150,000-USD180,000
   
   The key responsibilities of the Chief Estimator:
   
   + Managing all documentation to ensure the project is compliant, remains on schedule, and remains within budget while monitoring all costs.
   
   + Obtaining, assembling, distributing, and filling all as-built drawings, warranties, certificates of occupancy, and lien releases.
   
   + Scheduling projects in logical steps and budgeting time required to meet deadlines.
   
   + Building and maintaining relationships critical to the success of the overall project and company
   
   + Track and analyze data to reduce gaps between estimates and actual costs.
   
   + Obtain and track subcontract bids and negotiate budgets.
   
   + Prepare and present estimate documentation, including gaps in available data.
   
   + Prepares estimates according to the requirements of multiple delivery systems. Reviews quotes and estimates with the project management team
   
   + Assists with certain post-bid buyouts.
   
   + Initiates and participates in meet and greet presentations with subcontractors and suppliers.
   
   _MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants._
   
   The successful Chief Estimator:
   
   + BS degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or Project Management preferred
   
   + 8+ years of estimating experience preferred
   
   + Commercial construction estimating experience required
   
   + Experience with conceptual estimating
   
   + Ground up project knowledge and experience
   
   Our client is a well-established General Contractor in the Minneapolis area. They have been in the industry for 50+ years and have been ranked as one of the best places to work for 4 consecutive years. Employee satisfaction is one of their top priorities, so they offer great benefits, compensation packages, and a variety of other perks. If you are looking to join a successful company, with strong values and a collaborative work environment, this is a great opportunity for you!
   
   + Project Portfolio: (ground up & interior build-outs) Commercial, Civic, Education, Retail, Healthcare, Industrial, Religious, and hospitality projects.
   
   + Project Values: $3M - $100M ground up
   
   + Revenue: Yearly Revenue $100M+ Strong Compensation and Benefits Package (with bonus)
   
   + They have implemented a strong push for diversity and inclusion and have established a great culture of employees
   
   + Strong pipeline of projects through 2022 leading into 2023
   
   + A competitive base salary between $150,000-$180,000 (Depending on Experience)
   
   + Competitive bonus structure, project/profit based. Typically between $8,000-$15,000 in the first year)
   
   + Medical insurance including dental (100% coverage for individual and dependents)
   
   + Generous 401K structure (3% match)
   
   + Gas card
   
   + Company profit sharing
   
   + Robust career advancement opportunity
   
   + Strong training programs
   
   + 10 PTO Days
   
   + Company wide events
   
   + Gas/fuel card offered
   
   + Company Vehicle offered
   
   + Company phone and laptop provided
   
   + DE&I Initiative

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find chief estimators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any chief estimators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level chief estimators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your chief estimator job on Zippia to find and recruit chief 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 chief 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. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   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 chief estimator

   Once you've selected the best chief estimator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is 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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