How to hire an estimating assistant

How to hire an estimating assistant, step by step

Here's a step-by-step estimating assistant hiring guide:

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The estimating assistant 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?

   Yes

   No

   An estimating assistant's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, estimating assistants 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 presents estimating assistant salaries for various positions.

   Type of Estimating Assistant	Description	Hourly rate
   Estimating Assistant	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.	$16-31
   Construction Coordinator	A construction coordinator is in charge of overseeing the workforce and the workflow on a construction site, ensuring that all operations adhere to the standards, deadlines, budgets, and goals. Typically, it is their responsibility to liaise with clients and other professionals, organize work schedules, delegate tasks, and conduct regular inspections to ensure the quality of work... Show more	$20-39
   Construction Estimator	A construction estimator is responsible for determining project requirements, estimating metrics, including cost-analysis procedures and area inspection to spot potential inconsistencies, mitigate risks, and address production gaps. Construction estimators work closely with the engineers to identify construction requirements and specifications for forecasting... Show more	$24-50

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Cost Estimates
   • Bid Proposals
   • Purchase Orders
   • Worksheets
   • Subcontractor Database
   • Sub Contractors
   • Construction Projects
   • CAD
   • General Contractors
   • RFI
   • Labor Estimates
   • Bid Packages
   • Quantity Take-Offs
   • Bid Bonds

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage the estimating of a commercial & industrial plumbing and mechanical contracting business.
   • Perform equipment and material takeoff of HVAC blueprint drawings.
   • Perform typing of letters, RFI's, filing, and certify payroll.
   • Receive phone calls or email from potential clients who have a RFP (request for proposal).
   • Prepare all invitations to bids, addendum and RFI's notifications, confirm subcontractors bidding interest and pricing.
   • Perform civil takeoffs, produce estimates, and create high level schedules that are submitted to clients in response to RFP.

   More estimating assistant duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your estimating assistant job description helps attract top candidates to the position. An estimating assistant salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for an estimating assistant in Texas may be lower than in Vermont, and an entry-level estimating assistant usually earns less than a senior-level estimating assistant. Additionally, an estimating assistant with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average estimating assistant salary

   $47,542yearly

   $22.86 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level estimating assistant salary

   $34,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 20, 2025

   Average estimating assistant salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Alaska	$75,515	$36
   2	Virginia	$63,073	$30
   3	California	$62,151	$30
   4	New Jersey	$62,047	$30
   5	Washington	$61,511	$30
   6	Utah	$60,193	$29
   7	New York	$60,104	$29
   8	Connecticut	$59,620	$29
   9	Minnesota	$57,205	$28
   10	Maryland	$55,605	$27
   11	Florida	$50,743	$24
   12	Colorado	$49,678	$24
   13	Michigan	$49,254	$24
   14	Illinois	$48,417	$23
   15	Arizona	$45,715	$22
   16	Ohio	$45,275	$22
   17	Louisiana	$44,574	$21
   18	Georgia	$42,462	$20
   19	Nebraska	$42,045	$20

   Average estimating assistant salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Granite Construction	$62,379	$29.99	23
   2	Turner Construction	$62,301	$29.95	45
   3	Arrow Electric	$58,924	$28.33
   4	BMWC Constructors	$58,507	$28.13
   5	OHL USA	$58,398	$28.08	2
   6	Layton Construction	$56,498	$27.16	12
   7	York	$53,891	$25.91
   8	Maxx Builders	$53,567	$25.75
   9	BKF Engineers	$52,965	$25.46
   10	Fiorilli Construction	$51,227	$24.63	1
   11	CORE Construction	$51,084	$24.56
   12	The Hiller Companies	$50,857	$24.45
   13	LEI Companies	$50,783	$24.41
   14	Tool Gauge	$48,657	$23.39
   15	Synagro	$48,639	$23.38
   16	DMI Companies	$48,630	$23.38
   17	Kelly Services	$45,724	$21.98	11
   18	Robert Half	$45,245	$21.75	39
   19	Randstad North America, Inc.	$44,390	$21.34
   20	Express Employment Indy South	$38,370	$18.45	2

4. Writing an estimating assistant job description

   A good estimating assistant 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 estimating assistant job description:

   Estimating assistant job description example

   This estimator assistant position earns a competitive salary depending on skills and experience. We also offer cutting edge benefits , including an incentive pay plan above base compensation which pays quarterly bonuses based on the overall success of the company's objectives in conjunction with the individual's performance as well as medical, dental, vision, a health savings account (HSA) with a dollar-for-dollar match, a 401(k) plan, paid vacation time, paid sick time with rollover, concentrated time off (CTO), holiday pay, short-term disability, and travel reimbursement . If this sounds like the right opportunity in commercial construction for you, apply today!

   
   

   ABOUT FIORILLI CONSTRUCTION

   At Fiorilli Construction, we are dedicated, passionate, creative, hardworking commercial construction professionals who believe in providing outstanding services and quality products. We are exceptional at what we do and give our clients S.M.A.R.T. solutions to their construction anxieties within 24 hours, meaning our solutions are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. Abiding by our philosophy of "work hard, play hard," we strive to create an amazing work environment that uses cutting-edge cool services while emphasizing building synergistic authentic relationships (BSAR) with every client we work with.

   Working for us isn't just a job but a passion, and we bring that to each and every project that we do. We are dedicated to our lifestyle and to creating the "Fiorilli family experience" for both our clients and employees. Our employees are the driving force behind everything we do. To show our appreciation, we strive to provide a truly unique, transparent work-family-oriented relationship to help our employees build successful careers they can be proud of .

   
   

   A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATING ASSISTANT

   As an estimator assistant, you do much more than simply assist our estimators but serve as the first set of eyes on the plans for a project as well. You assist with the pricing and bidding for projects as well as solicit subcontractors and vendors to bid on projects. Through communication with subcontractors, vendors, architects, engineers, and owners, you provide information and updates regarding important documents. You develop subcontractor scopes of work during the bidding process as well as conduct reviews of proposals submitted for bids.

   After a proposal is submitted, you collect and organize all bid information for future references. Maintaining an overall summary of the proposal's status, you assist in conducting follow-ups on all bids. Whenever an issue arises, you are quick to find a resolution to help your team remain healthy, functional, and cohesive. You enjoy collaborating with others and ensuring our company's standards and focus are always maintained in every task you take on. Having a job where you get to serve in such an important role with our company brings you great satisfaction, which is why you thrive as our estimator assistant!

   
   

   QUALIFICATIONS FOR A CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATING ASSISTANT

   • 3+ years of experience working in a large-scale professional commercial construction environment
   • Ability to take accountability and maintain solid relationships

   Experience with EOS Worldwide principals is preferred. Having cutting-edge technical skills would be a plus but multiple factors will be taken into consideration. Do you have excellent verbal and written communication skills? Are you highly organized and attentive to detail? Can you effectively prioritize tasks while demonstrating good time management? Do you work well both independently and as part of a team? Are you able to maintain a friendly and professional demeanor? If so, you might just be perfect for this estimator assistant position!

   
   

   READY TO JOIN OUR COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION TEAM?

   We understand your time is valuable, so we have a very quick and easy application process. If you feel that you would be right for this Construction Estimating Assistant job, please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application . We look forward to meeting you!

   Location: 44286

   
   
   Job Posted by ApplicantPro
   

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5. Post your job

   To find the right estimating assistant 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 estimating assistants they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit estimating assistants 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 estimating assistant job on Zippia to find and recruit estimating assistant 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 estimating assistants, 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 estimating assistant

   Once you have selected a candidate for the estimating assistant 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.

   To prepare for the new estimating assistant 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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