How to hire a millwork estimator

How to hire a millwork estimator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step millwork estimator hiring guide:

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a millwork estimator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect millwork estimator also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   Here's a comparison of millwork estimator salaries for various roles:

   Type of Millwork Estimator	Description	Hourly rate
   Millwork Estimator	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.	$18-43
   Estimator Project Manager	An 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 Manager	An 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

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Architectural Drawings
   • General Contractors
   • Customer Service
   • Building Materials

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage the estimating of a commercial & industrial plumbing and mechanical contracting business.
   • Obtain measurements, photos and documentation to process remotely Xactimate estimates to submit for insurance and customer approval.
   • Procure LEED specifications on various products to ensure compliance with customer preferences including reclaim material.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, millwork estimators' average salary in florida is 51% less than in massachusetts.
   • Seniority. Entry-level millwork estimators earn 57% less than senior-level millwork estimators.
   • Certifications. A millwork 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 a millwork estimator's salary.

   Average millwork estimator salary

   $59,589yearly

   $28.65 hourly rate

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   Entry-level millwork estimator salary

   $39,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing a millwork estimator job description

   A millwork 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. To help get you started, here's an example of a millwork estimator job description:

   Millwork estimator job description example

   JBI Interiors Company is currently hiring for a part-time Junior Millwork Estimator to perform data entry for our architectural millwork jobs in the Long Beach, CA area. This part-time data entry position earns a competitive wage of $20.00 - $25.00/hour .

   In addition to competitive pay and our collaborative culture , we offer our Junior Millwork Estimators the following benefits:

   • Health
   • Dental
   • Paid time off (PTO)
   • 401(k)
   • Vacation time
   • Flexible work schedules
   • Bonus opportunities

   So, now that you've learned the who, what, where, and why, you may be wondering HOW? It's easy! Just fill out our initial mobile-friendly online application . We hope to meet you soon!

   
   

   DAY-TO-DAY

   This part-time data entry position works 20 - 30 hours per week.

   As a part-time Junior Millwork Estimator, you perform essential data entry duties that help keep our projects organized. You are a highly detail-oriented person who meticulously enters project data such as quotes into enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and request for quotation (RFQ) platforms. Ensuring all data is accurate, you create organized and up-to-date spreadsheets for our customers' information and orders.

   If there's ever a discrepancy in project documents, you actively work with the estimators to find and resolve the issue. You regularly verify older records as well, deleting outdated information and updating files as needed. You feel great about helping keep our data organized and accurate!

   
   

   ABOUT JBI INTERIORS COMPANY

   Our commercial interior manufacturing company began in 1969 when our founder created his first restaurant interior. Today, we manufacture a variety of interiors including architectural millwork, upholstery, and metal, for a wide range of clients such as restaurants, hospitals, and schools. We have been prioritizing customer satisfaction since the very beginning, and it shows through the strong, lasting partnerships we've made over the decades. Our goal is to continuously think of fresh, innovative ideas that improve our systems and create better experiences for our clients.

   Our success comes from building a strong, capable team of dedicated employees that feel trusted and valued. We provide an open, collaborative work environment where team members can share ideas and learn from each other. When you work for us, you also enjoy competitive compensation and generous benefits . Join us in creating appealing interiors that people will remember!

   
   

   OUR IDEAL JUNIOR MILLWORK ESTIMATOR

   • Punctual - manages time well and adheres to strict deadlines
   • A team player - works well as part of a team
   • Organized - effectively prioritizes multiple tasks

   If this sounds like you, keep reading!

   
   

   REQUIREMENTS FOR A JUNIOR MILLWORK ESTIMATOR

   • Some college education
   • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft applications

   Experience with material take-off and ERP software would be preferred, but we will train the right candidate . A bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, materials science, or a related field would be a bonus. If you meet the above requirements, we need you. Apply today to join our team as a Junior Millwork Estimator!

   Location: 90810

   
   
   Job Posted by ApplicantPro
   

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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right millwork estimator 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 millwork estimator job on Zippia to find and recruit millwork estimator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with millwork 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 millwork estimator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the millwork estimator 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 millwork 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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