How to hire an estimating manager

How to hire an estimating manager, step by step

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

What does an estimating manager do?

Post an estimating manager job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the estimating manager you need to hire. Certain estimating manager 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

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them an estimating manager to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire an estimating manager that fits the bill.

   This list shows salaries for various types of estimating managers.

   Type of Estimating Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Estimating Manager	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.	$29-71
   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
   Electrical Estimator	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... Show more	$23-49

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Cost Estimates
   • Construction Management
   • Project Management
   • Phone Calls
   • Business Development
   • Historical Data
   • RFP
   • Construction Projects
   • Purchase Orders
   • Value Engineering
   • Project Scope
   • Cost Analysis
   • Cost Control
   • Bid Proposals

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead contract negotiations with DCAA and DCMA contracting officials.
   • Manage the HVAC and layout of the conceptual HVAC design, procurement of the HVAC equipment, and compliance review.
   • Manage RFP process from invitation through proposal and ultimately e-auction when necessary.
   • Develop RFP s and construction bid packages for all trades in each division of construction necessary for each project.
   • Work with CCC, Mitchell and Audatex collision software.
   • Prepare estimates for walk-in customers using CCC or Audatex.

   More estimating manager duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your estimating manager job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An estimating manager salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, estimating managers' average salary in hawaii is 49% less than in vermont.
   • Seniority. Entry-level estimating managers earn 59% less than senior-level estimating managers.
   • Certifications. An estimating manager 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 estimating manager's salary.

   Average estimating manager salary

   $95,887yearly

   $46.10 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level estimating manager salary

   $61,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

   Average estimating manager salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$137,897	$66
   2	Massachusetts	$120,477	$58
   3	District of Columbia	$117,993	$57
   4	Utah	$108,946	$52
   5	Washington	$106,035	$51
   6	Oregon	$104,109	$50
   7	New York	$98,845	$48
   8	Virginia	$94,860	$46
   9	New Jersey	$92,297	$44
   10	Colorado	$90,547	$44
   11	Missouri	$88,854	$43
   12	Arizona	$85,933	$41
   13	Indiana	$83,316	$40
   14	Michigan	$82,665	$40
   15	North Carolina	$82,283	$40
   16	Kansas	$82,169	$40
   17	Ohio	$81,944	$39
   18	Pennsylvania	$79,733	$38
   19	Georgia	$78,416	$38
   20	Texas	$77,156	$37

   Average estimating manager salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Meta	$163,703	$78.70
   2	Intel	$130,903	$62.93
   3	Tiffany & Co.	$120,488	$57.93
   4	Northrop Grumman	$107,109	$51.49	3
   5	Spirit AeroSystems	$105,945	$50.94
   6	Ferguson Enterprises	$104,109	$50.05	21
   7	Rivian	$102,286	$49.18
   8	General Dynamics	$101,825	$48.95	3
   9	Builders FirstSource	$101,100	$48.61	10
   10	Lennar	$100,235	$48.19	4
   11	NVR	$97,476	$46.86
   12	Kiewit	$95,085	$45.71	69
   13	L3Harris	$93,380	$44.89	3
   14	Randstad North America, Inc.	$93,337	$44.87
   15	Derse	$91,877	$44.17	1
   16	White Cap Construction Supply Inc	$91,489	$43.99	6
   17	Oldcastle Infrastructure	$90,889	$43.70	28
   18	McWane	$90,380	$43.45	2
   19	Vensure Employer Services	$89,901	$43.22	4
   20	TriMet	$89,532	$43.04

4. Writing an estimating manager job description

   A good estimating manager 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 manager job description:

   Estimating manager job description example

   As Estimating Manager / Chief Estimator you will plan, evaluate and supervise estimate activities for the Virginia district to determine cost efficient quantities and construction practices to reach pursuit, schedule and price goals. As a leader, you will be responsble for providing technical and administrative direction to the estimating team on large pursuits.
   
   Works with operational and business development leaders to determine which pursuits to engage in assigned District.
   
   Reviews proposal specifications, drawings, attend pre-bid meetings, etc. to determine scope of work and required contents of estimate.
   
   Provides technical and industry knowledge towards risk, contract management, owner relationships and vendor or subcontractor partnerships.
   
   Organizes and supervises estimating teams to prepare bids, select vendors or subcontractors and determine cost effectiveness of project to bid.
   
   Delegates review of project and appropriate regulations required to construct the project to meet disadvantages business requirements and minority participation agreements and reviews work of direct reports to ensure accuracy, innovation and completeness.
   
   Prepares discipline estimates by calculating complete takeoff of scope of work. Calculates material quantity requirements from engineering drawing dimensions.
   
   Reviews total estimate of all projects to ensure accuracy and completeness prior to formal submission.
   Participates in pre-bid meetings, bid strategy and representation meetings as required. Consults with clients, vendors, or other individuals to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues. Leads Joint Venture (JV) meetings and hand-off meetings between pursuit phase and active project management team to ensure accurate and complete knowledge transfer between the phases. Perform additional assignments per management's direction. Reviews and incorporates historical data from purchase orders, subcontracts, productivity analysis reports, etc. into unit and person-hour figures. Partners with estimating team to prepare and conduct project hand-off meetings between pursuit team and project management team. Maintains knowledge of Company's values and strategic plan. Support published corporate policies.
   Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field required. 15+ year experience in construction industry, estimating or cost control preferred. Experience leading pursuit and estimating activities for large or complex projects. A strong heavy civil design-build background is required in this role. Some previous experience in marine/coastal and/or transit/rail would be preferred. Construction, design, finance and management experience required. Expert knowledge of HCSS Heavy Bid Estimating Software. Specialized knowledge and experience in alternative construction delivery methods. Able to lead pursuit and estimating activities on a large or complex pursuit project. Strong negotiation and influencing skills. Expert knowledge of best practice and innovative practices to control and reduce pursuit costs, quantities and risk. Advanced knowledge of HCSS Heavy Bid Estimating Software Communication and interpersonal skills for clear and effective support research, recommendations and pricing. Strong technical writing skills. Time management and strong prioritization skills to meet tight turnaround and bid deadlines.
   Some of the benefits you may be eligible for as an employee are: Comprehensive compensation package and paid time off program Industry leading 401(k)/RRSP Medical/Extended Health Care, Dental, Vison and/or Provincial Medical Wellness benefits & Employee Assistance Program Tuition Reimbursement Program We are an EEO/AA/ADA/Veterans employer.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right estimating manager for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with estimating manager 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.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates 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 estimating manager

   Once you have selected a candidate for the estimating manager 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 manager 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.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire an estimating manager?