How to hire an estimator project manager

How to hire an estimator project manager, step by step

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

What does an estimator project manager do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

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

   An estimator project manager's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, estimator project managers 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 manager salaries for various positions.

   Type of Estimator Project Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Estimator Project 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.	$25-49
   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
   Project Superintendent	The construction or project superintendent's role is to oversee the operations of construction sites, from the planning phase to completion. They have varied duties and responsibilities based on specific projects that include scheduling and budgeting, communicating and negotiating with external partners, and acquiring materials and equipment... Show more	$34-63

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • General Contractors
   • Construction Projects
   • Sub Contractors
   • Construction Management
   • Project Scope
   • Cost Estimates
   • RFI
   • HVAC
   • CAD
   • Value Engineering
   • Shop Drawings
   • Project Cost
   • Xactimate
   • Cost Control

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Estimate, sell and manage residential & commercial plumbing, heating and cooling systems.
   • Prepare RFP's, manage the distribution of, and review and analyze proposals from suppliers and vendors daily.
   • Supervise employees to achieve maximum quality control and customer satisfaction.Employee HR management, inventory control, payroll and expense management.
   • Assist other project managers and design cad drafter with projects.
   • Utilize HCSS and AGTEK software to track and provide estimates.
   • Create quotation letters & develop AutoCAD drawings to describe scope of work to customer.

   More estimator project manager duties

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, estimator project managers' average salary in oklahoma is 42% less than in massachusetts.
   • Seniority. Entry-level estimator project managers earn 49% less than senior-level estimator project managers.
   • Certifications. An estimator project 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 estimator project manager's salary.

   Average estimator project manager salary

   $73,546yearly

   $35.36 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level estimator project manager salary

   $52,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average estimator project manager salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$99,882	$48
   2	Massachusetts	$99,365	$48
   3	District of Columbia	$92,493	$44
   4	Ohio	$82,610	$40
   5	Utah	$81,055	$39
   6	New York	$79,291	$38
   7	Illinois	$77,574	$37
   8	Maryland	$76,499	$37
   9	South Dakota	$74,597	$36
   10	Arizona	$74,265	$36
   11	Montana	$72,597	$35
   12	Pennsylvania	$72,014	$35
   13	North Carolina	$71,520	$34
   14	Texas	$71,400	$34
   15	Michigan	$71,342	$34
   16	Georgia	$70,377	$34
   17	Oregon	$69,560	$33
   18	Colorado	$67,458	$32
   19	Missouri	$67,175	$32
   20	Indiana	$66,945	$32

   Average estimator project manager salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Intel	$104,012	$50.01
   2	Northrop Grumman	$102,751	$49.40	10
   3	MDU Resources	$100,152	$48.15
   4	Diamonds International	$94,677	$45.52	2
   5	CyberCoders	$93,072	$44.75	53
   6	EMCOR Group	$92,432	$44.44	285
   7	Reyes Holdings	$87,304	$41.97	3
   8	Hotel Services	$84,919	$40.83	8
   9	Innovative Driven	$83,286	$40.04
   10	Tutor Perini	$82,704	$39.76	103
   11	Pepper Construction	$82,138	$39.49
   12	Sundt Construction	$82,082	$39.46	64
   13	Square One	$82,020	$39.43
   14	Copart	$81,527	$39.20
   15	Granite Construction	$80,025	$38.47	75
   16	White Construction	$80,005	$38.46
   17	FCR	$79,527	$38.23
   18	Stewart Systems	$79,319	$38.13
   19	MCC Holdings Inc	$78,133	$37.56
   20	K2 Construction	$77,515	$37.27	10

4. Writing an estimator project manager job description

   An estimator project manager 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. To help get you started, here's an example of an estimator project manager job description:

   Estimator project manager job description example

   Job Title: Project Manager / Estimator Position Reports to: Operations Manager
   Position Type: Full-Time Pay: Salary $50,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year Reporting Positions: Service Technicians, Laborers, Subcontractors, Temporary Laborers
   Position Summary / Purpose
   Harper Special Services is a full service 24 hour emergency damage restoration company that is growing FAST! We are looking to add high energy, highly motivated, and customer service driven individuals seeking a career path in the rewarding restoration industry. The Project Manager / Estimator is responsible for facilitating the timely and profitable delivery of all services required to rapidly return customer’s property to pre-loss condition, minimizing repairs, and downtime following property damage.
   Understand and Practice Company Core Values Trust: Bring integrity and value to our relationships through our actions and decisions with our Team and our Customers. Ownership: Being accountable and taking responsibility for your actions and performance among our Team and Customers while keeping all parties involved. Passionate: Empathetic to the needs of our Team members and Customers with enthusiasm, respect, and humility. Productivity: Completing work to above standard levels while exhibiting a sense of urgency in recovery and profitability.
   Principle Duties and Responsibilities Write and review estimates to insure all scope items are included. Exceed established targets for responding to and completing all pre construction steps, to include budgets, material lists and schedule. Maintain strategic relationships with vendors and subcontractors and be responsive to their needs so they are responsive to us.. Maintain complete documentation in the company system. Exceed profitability targets on managed projects Plan and execute projects to completion Obtain written contracts and payment terms for projects. Provide feedback to the property owner and the team regarding draws and project status. Maintain efficient and accurate flow of production paperwork from the job site to administration Coordinate resource planning of technicians, laborers, and subcontractors with coordinator and update all team members with adequate inputs to the client files. Maintain market leadership through continuous implementation of state-of-the-art technology as it pertains to the delivery of our services Coordinate estimates from subcontractors to be within the budgets that are set and to meet the schedule. Write job estimates when necessary. Order materials required for projects and coordinate delivery to job site Maintain effective communication with customers and all involved parties – including third-party owners, building engineers, property managers, tenants, etc. Perform property inspections and complete reports and scopes of damage.
   Additional Duties and Responsibilities Maintain project files Attend and assist in conducting company meetings Present brief project updates. Perform production work when required. Perform minor repairs on company equipment and vehicles.
   Decision Rights and Authority Schedule service vehicles and technicians Management of the budget for projects
   Working Relationships and Scope Works with Estimators and Project Managers to review and oversee job estimates Works with Operations Manager in hiring and discharge of production division personnel Coordinates with Marketing for follow-up and job evaluation with customers Coordinates with customer and administration function for timely collection of project payment Acts as a vital part of the operations team and prepares themselves for the next level.
   Performance Competencies Oral Communication–The individual speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations. Turns negative situations into positive ones. Effective in one-on-one and small group situations. Adaptable and able to think on his / her feet. Able to effectively communicate with customers in understandable terms. At Harper’s Special Services we like to say there is no negativity allowed. Written Communication–Writes clear, precise, well organized estimates, proposals, documents and emails. The individual edits work for spelling, uses appropriate vocabulary, and has good grammar. Is able to read and interpret written information. Team Building–Achieves cohesion and effective team spirit with peers, subordinates, and subcontractors. Sustains a climate characterized by open, honest relationships where differences are constructively resolved rather than ignored, suppressed, or denied. Shares credit for accomplishments. Planning and Organizing–Has the ability to see the overall job from start to finish. Knowing the steps to be taken, resources and time required, can effectively create a timeline for the job. Coordinates plans with other managers. Integrity–Ironclad. Does not cut corners. Puts company interests above self. Earns trust of co-workers. Is intellectually honest, does not play games. Excellence–Sets high, “stretch” standards of performance. Demonstrates low tolerance for mediocrity. Sets clear, fair, and aggressive goals for self and others, encouraging individual initiative. Customer Focus–Combines empathy for customer’s situation with time and budget constraints to effectively manage and exceed customer’s expectations. Technology–Regularly uses standard word processing and spreadsheet software tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy of work performed. Effectively uses communication devices and technology to collect, review, and forward field activity reporting. Develops an excellent understanding of the project management and estimating software utilized and uses the tools effectively to maintain 360 degree communication. Qualifications-Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Education and Experience* High school diploma (or GED) plus three (3) to five (5) years of experience managing construction or restoration projects and supervising crews. Associate (2 year) degree or bachelor’s (4 year) degree in business or construction management preferred. Advanced knowledge of building construction, remodeling, or restoration. Understands the relationship between direct labor and profitability. Financial Reports and Budgeting* Understanding of financial reports: Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow, and budgeting. Ability to review completed job costing, assess performance, and identify areas for improvement. Technical Skills* Proficient technical skills, experience, and certification in the areas of service the company provides. Mathematical Skills* Adequate math skills. Able to quickly and effectively translate remaining work into manpower planning, project completion times, and review and assess labor time reporting. Effectively project job costs based on work remaining. Negotiation Skills* Wins by creating advocates, not enemies, when negotiating. Computer Skills* Demonstrates intermediate to advanced proficiency in the use of computers and computer software, especially MS Word and Excel. Experience with Xactimate software is a plus. Listening Skills* Effective in receiving feedback and input from customers and employees, probing for additional information or unspoken issues, and providing timely response. Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations* Valid Driver's License required.
   Physical Demands
   The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee must regularly lift and / or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and / or move up to 50pounds.
   Working Conditions The work of this position is predominantly carried out on a job site, truck or office environment. Employees will encounter facilities where standing water and sewage could be present, heat is unavailable due to lack of utilities, fire damage has occurred, and mold or other organic growth exists. Noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.
   COVID-19 Precaution(s): Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place
   Work Remotely No
   This Job Is Ideal for Someone Who Is: People-oriented -- enjoys interacting with people and working on group projects Detail-oriented -- would rather focus on the details of work than the bigger picture Achievement-oriented -- enjoys taking on challenges, even if they might fail High stress tolerance -- thrives in a high-pressure environment

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5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find estimator project managers 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 estimator project manager job on Zippia to find and recruit estimator project manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with estimator project 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.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete 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 estimator project manager

   Once you've decided on a perfect estimator project manager candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your 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.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new estimator project manager. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

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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