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How to hire an electrical estimator

Electrical estimator hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring electrical estimators in the United States:

  • The median cost to hire an electrical estimator is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per electrical estimator on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • There are a total of 81,045 electrical estimators in the US, and there are currently 36,760 job openings in this field.
  • Sacramento, CA, has the highest demand for electrical estimators, with 10 job openings.

How to hire an electrical estimator, step by step

To hire an electrical estimator, you should clearly understand the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, and allocate a budget for the position. You will also need to post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire an electrical estimator:

Here's a step-by-step electrical 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 electrical estimator job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new electrical estimator
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an electrical estimator do?

Electrical estimators are electrical system professionals who are responsible for creating the approximate cost of various electrical installations for both industrial and residential projects. These estimators must analyze blueprints to determine wire lengths as well as the amount and cost of all materials and fixtures needed for their electrical projects. They are required to improve cost-estimating procedures so that they can reduce inconsistencies between the estimated and actual project costs. Electrical estimators must also participate in project biddings by completing and submitting their proposals by following established guidelines.

Learn more about the specifics of what an electrical estimator does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    The electrical estimator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    An electrical estimator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, electrical 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 electrical estimators and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of Electrical EstimatorDescriptionHourly rate
    Electrical EstimatorCost 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.$23-49
    Estimator Project ManagerAn 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 ManagerAn 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
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Project Management
    • Quantity Take-Offs
    • Electrical Systems
    • Value Engineering
    • Electrical Projects
    • Cost Control
    • Voltage Systems
    • Proposal Specifications
    • NEC
    • Project Estimates
    • MEP
    • Plumbing
    • Fire Protection
    • HVAC
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage prevailing wage for payroll and prepare and submit bi-weekly certify payroll reports.
    • Design power, lighting, and HVAC plans.
    • Slash cost of installation and operations by implementing various MEP systems.
    • Collaborate with MEP engineering firm to prepare design-build budgets and estimates for potential clients.
    • Design and estimating duties include HVAC, refrigeration, interior and exterior lighting & power distribution.
    • Utilize AutoCAD for electrical drafting, riser diagrams, wiring diagrams, and single line diagrams.
    More electrical estimator duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your electrical estimator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An electrical estimator salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, electrical estimators' average salary in alabama is 47% less than in massachusetts.
    • Seniority. Entry-level electrical estimators earn 53% less than senior-level electrical estimators.
    • Certifications. An electrical estimator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an electrical estimator's salary.

    Average electrical estimator salary

    $70,612yearly

    $33.95 hourly rate

    Entry-level electrical estimator salary
    $48,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 16, 2025

    Average electrical estimator salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Massachusetts$95,548$46
    2California$88,817$43
    3Oregon$82,393$40
    4New York$81,977$39
    5Maryland$79,645$38
    6Illinois$77,755$37
    7New Jersey$77,235$37
    8Pennsylvania$74,943$36
    9Virginia$73,365$35
    10Ohio$71,401$34
    11Minnesota$70,845$34
    12Missouri$69,212$33
    13Georgia$68,669$33
    14Michigan$67,223$32
    15Indiana$66,618$32
    16Wisconsin$64,530$31
    17Arizona$62,873$30
    18Kansas$62,680$30
    19New Mexico$61,392$30
    20Colorado$60,851$29

    Average electrical estimator salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Intel$102,460$49.26
    2EMCOR Group$84,943$40.84141
    3The Weitz Company$84,862$40.803
    4Sachs Electric$84,532$40.64
    5Gilbane Building Company$84,005$40.3925
    6Rosendin Electric$83,162$39.9841
    7Turner Construction$79,960$38.4471
    8DPR Construction$79,558$38.2579
    9CyberCoders$78,785$37.8840
    10AAA FACILITY SERVICES$78,039$37.5222
    11Moss & Associates$77,396$37.212
    12Turner & Townsend$77,056$37.0583
    13Black & Veatch$76,779$36.91161
    14QTS$75,157$36.139
    15McCarthy Holdings, Inc.$73,066$35.1336
    16Skanska$72,802$35.007
    17AECOM$71,556$34.40126
    18Trillium Staffing$71,462$34.36
    19JBI Electrical Systems$71,356$34.31
    20KBR$70,777$34.0320
  4. Writing an electrical estimator job description

    An electrical estimator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of an electrical estimator job description:

    Electrical estimator job description example

    Minimum Experience: 4 years’ experience in electrical field work
    Required: Valid CA Diver license, clean DMV report, and pass background check

    Compensation: DOE

    Included Benefits: Company Vehicle, Gas Card, and Travel Pay Incentives

    About AAA Facility Services
    Since 1995, AAA Facility Services has provided skilled trade services centered around the core philosophy that providing excellent customer service is critical for a thriving business. We have built our professional relationships on a reputation for going the extra mile – and not only for our clients. Our Team Members as well as our Service Partners receive the same attentive care that our clients have come to enjoy.

    Our core business focuses on providing skilled trade services for commercial facilities with in-house electricians, plumbers, and technicians. The core services are supplemented by qualified service providers we have partnered with to deliver for our clients. Those Service Partners are held to the same standard as our in-house teams, and we make every effort to maintain good working relationships with each of them.

    What you can expect working at AAA Facility Services

    Our Mission Statement is: “We have an obsessive focus on the endless pursuit of a higher standard of service to our team members, clients, and service partners.” Note, that team members are listed first. We know that taking care of our team members means they will take care of the clients. Here you will find an honest, open, and hard-working team that takes pride in their work. We are professionals in our roles, and you will be able to take ownership of yours. We are seeking candidates that can step in and work independently, flexing their facilities and project management skills and expertise.

    About Junior Estimator Position
    The Jr. Estimator will assist the Lead Estimator in accepting and evaluating client’s requests for electrical and lighting proposals. The individual will provide detailed and accurate proposals, prepare conceptual scope of work drawings, solicits pricing from vendors and sub-contractors, locate new sub-contractors and vendors based on geographical locations, update the subcontractor and supplier list, compile and update historical cost data for use in conceptual or rough order of magnitude estimates.


    Junior Estimator Benefit Package
    AAA Facility Services offer our Team Members a full comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, Flex Spending Account, 401k, Holiday, PTO, Sick Pay, Employee Discount Center, Life Assistance Program and Career Progression, a company vehicle and fuel card.


  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find electrical estimators for your business:

    • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your electrical estimator job on Zippia to find and recruit electrical estimator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Your first interview with electrical estimator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

    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 electrical estimator

    Once you've selected the best electrical 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 electrical estimator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

  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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How much does it cost to hire an electrical estimator?

There are different types of costs for hiring electrical estimators. One-time cost per hire for the recruitment process. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, onboarding, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider all of these costs when evaluating hiring a new electrical estimator employee.

The median annual salary for electrical estimators is $70,612 in the US. However, the cost of electrical estimator hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring an electrical estimator for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $23 and $49 an hour.

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