How to hire an estimator/project coordinator

How to hire an estimator/project coordinator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step estimator/project coordinator hiring guide:

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your estimator/project coordinator 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 estimator/project coordinator 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 estimator/project coordinator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, estimator/project coordinators 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 estimator/project coordinator salaries for various positions.

   Type of Estimator/Project Coordinator	Description	Hourly rate
   Estimator/Project Coordinator	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.	$18-34
   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:

   • General Contractors
   • Cost Estimates
   • Bid Proposals
   • Shop Drawings
   • CAD
   • Project Scope
   • Purchase Orders
   • Sub Contractors
   • HVAC
   • Construction Projects
   • Bid Packages
   • Bid Invitations
   • RFI
   • Bid Process

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage and distribute RFP information, create and track project notifications, schedule strategy meetings.
   • Evaluate plans for HVAC equipment.
   • Provide general support to business development teams as they prepare RFP documents, etc.
   • Prepare commercial bids base on submit specifications, e plans, blue prints, and RFI's.
   • Develop RFI's and clarifications and ensure adequate subcontractor coverage.
   • Obtain measurements, photos and documentation to process remotely Xactimate estimates to submit for insurance and customer approval.

   More estimator/project coordinator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the estimator/project coordinator job description is a good way to get more applicants. An estimator/project coordinator salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for an estimator/project coordinator in Texas may be lower than in Alaska, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level estimator/project coordinator. Additionally, an estimator/project coordinator with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average estimator/project coordinator salary

   $53,416yearly

   $25.68 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level estimator/project coordinator salary

   $39,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 21, 2026

   Average estimator/project coordinator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	District of Columbia	$70,156	$34
   2	New York	$67,936	$33
   3	California	$63,897	$31
   4	Montana	$60,343	$29
   5	Oregon	$60,227	$29
   6	Minnesota	$59,787	$29
   7	Maryland	$57,575	$28
   8	South Dakota	$57,263	$28
   9	Colorado	$52,981	$25
   10	Illinois	$51,797	$25
   11	Ohio	$49,483	$24
   12	Arizona	$48,550	$23
   13	Wisconsin	$47,211	$23
   14	North Carolina	$46,912	$23
   15	South Carolina	$45,721	$22
   16	Georgia	$45,412	$22
   17	Texas	$44,156	$21
   18	Florida	$43,688	$21

   Average estimator/project coordinator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Suffolk Construction	$64,538	$31.03	31
   2	Rycon Construction	$63,260	$30.41	13
   3	Garney Holding Company	$62,375	$29.99	82
   4	Sanmina	$60,346	$29.01	1
   5	Hotel Services	$59,548	$28.63	3
   6	The Boldt Company	$56,876	$27.34	16
   7	McGough	$56,732	$27.27
   8	Interior Specialists	$55,382	$26.63
   9	DAVACO	$54,934	$26.41
   10	Bread Loaf	$54,926	$26.41
   11	Primoris Services	$54,211	$26.06	44
   12	Aldridge	$54,066	$25.99
   13	Servpro	$53,992	$25.96	171
   14	Randstad North America, Inc.	$53,614	$25.78	2
   15	Ampirical	$53,343	$25.65	2
   16	ARC Document Solutions	$53,228	$25.59
   17	Robert Half	$53,213	$25.58	23
   18	David Allen	$52,802	$25.39
   19	JE Berkowitz	$51,783	$24.90
   20	Cleary University	$49,079	$23.60

4. Writing an estimator/project coordinator job description

   An estimator/project coordinator 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 estimator/project coordinator job description:

   Estimator/project coordinator job description example

   Interstates is currently in search of talented and motivated Estimating Coordinator. This position supports the Estimating team by preparing and completing proposals, ensuring department standards are being met.
   Interstates Describes Its Culture as: Family-Like
   Caring co-workers treat each other like family Be treated like an individual, not just a number Flexible schedules allow you to focus on your personal life as well as work life Lunch gatherings and social activities promotes fun and camaraderie Support charities and your community through events sponsored and hosted by Interstates
   Interstates Core Values:
   Integrity Trust Quality Dependability Family
   Our Why:
   Providing opportunities for our people Making a difference with our clients Pursuing a better way
   Responsibilities
   
   Uses Interstates estimating systems to complete pricing and proposals Provide support for larger proposals to include coordination, formatting, assembly, packaging and delivery Analyzes bid documents such as drawings, specifications, etc., to prepare estimates Maintains and captures all necessary documentation of the bid cycle (i.e.: notes, assumptions, verbal instructions) Tracks and prepares CSD Support proposals/contracts in advance of due dates, coordinating with Leads to ensure accuracy before releasing to client. This includes maintaining opportunities in Dynamics 365 Opportunity Tracking System. Maintains proposal milestone schedules, managing due dates accordingly Works with delivery leaders to adjust pricing models Provides pricing support and input quantities with standard pricing philosophy Reviews proposals for consistency and adherence to standards Provides Estimating related administrative support to the above professional services teams as needed May participate in conversations with clients regarding scope of the project/support contract
   Qualifications
   
   EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: A High School Diploma or GED is required, but additional education is a plus
   
   TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Travel may be required and will vary according to business requirements. Up to 10% travel may be expected.
   
   LOCATION: This position will report out of our Sioux Center, IA or Sioux Falls, SD office

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right estimator/project coordinator 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 estimator/project coordinator job on Zippia to find and recruit estimator/project coordinator 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 estimator/project coordinators, 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 estimator/project coordinator

   Once you've selected the best estimator/project coordinator 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.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new estimator/project coordinator 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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