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Chief Estimator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fessler & Bowman Inc

Chief Estimator

Holly, MI · On-site

$114K - $152K/yr

A Chief Estimator is a primary member of the estimating team who has overall responsibility for the creation of budgets and estimates produced by the region, under the Regional Director. The Chief ...

Fessler & Bowman Inc

Chief Estimator

Holly, MI · On-site

$120 - $190/hr

A Chief Estimator is a primary member of the estimating team who has overall responsibility for the creation of budgets and estimates produced by the region, under the Regional Director. The Chief ...

Laney Companies

Chief Estimator

Eldersburg, MD

$110K - $140K/yr

Chief Estimator ID: 1060 Location: Eldersburg, Maryland Department: Estimating Salary Range: $110,000 - $140,000 Based on Experience Company: MT Laney More about this job > Description CHIEF ...

JRG Partners

Chief Estimator

Dallas, TX · On-site

$127K - $169K/yr

Chief Estimator As the Chief Estimator in the construction industry, you will play a pivotal role in leading the estimating department and driving the successful procurement of projects through ...

ModCorr LLC

Chief Estimator

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$116K - $154K/yr

The Chief Estimator is responsible for leading and overseeing the estimating function, including the development, review, and delivery of accurate and competitive estimates for construction ...

C.A.C. INDUSTRIES, INC.

Chief Estimator

Long Island City, NY · On-site

$139K - $185K/yr

The Chief Estimator will report to our Chief Operating Officer and work closely with the estimating team. As a senior leader you will be responsible for overseeing all aspect of the estimating ...

C.A.C. Industries

Chief Estimator

Long Island City, NY · On-site

$139K - $185K/yr

The Chief Estimator will report to our Chief Operating Officer and work closely with the estimating team. As a senior leader you will be responsible for overseeing all aspect of the estimating ...

Auld & White Constructors

Chief Estimator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$119K - $158K/yr

As our Chief Estimator , you'll be at the forefront of exciting growth, leading a skilled team in delivering competitive, high-quality estimates for a diverse range of commercial projects. Join a ...

Auld & White Constructors

Chief Estimator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$119K - $158K/yr

As our Chief Estimator , you'll be at the forefront of exciting growth, leading a skilled team in delivering competitive, high-quality estimates for a diverse range of commercial projects. Join a ...

All 5's Construction

Chief Estimator

Henderson, NV · On-site

$116K - $154K/yr

All 5's Construction is searching for a Chief Estimator to join our Concrete team in Las Vegas, NV! An All 5's Chief Estimator is primarily responsible for overseeing the Estimating and ...

MP Wired for HR

Chief Estimator

Peabody, MA

$143K - $189K/yr

Chief Estimator | Commercial Construction Lead Strategy. Build Winning Teams. Shape the Future of Construction. Are you a seasoned Chief Estimator or Senior Estimating Leader ready to make a ...

All 5's Construction

Chief Estimator

Henderson, NV · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

An All 5's Chief Estimator is primarily responsible for overseeing the Estimating and Preconstruction logistic coordination with Operations team for all self-perform concrete opportunities performed ...

Sundt-2

Chief Estimator

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Chief Estimators have a demonstrated ability and willingness to mentor and train new estimators regarding all facets of preconstruction efforts. The Chief Estimator reports to Preconstruction ...

Sundt

Chief Estimator

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$114K - $151K/yr

Chief Estimators have a demonstrated ability and willingness to mentor and train new estimators regarding all facets of preconstruction efforts. The Chief Estimator reports to Preconstruction ...

Aspenational

Chief Estimator

Arizona City, AZ · On-site

$120 - $190/hr

The Chief Estimator leads the pre-construction estimating department, overseeing accurate cost, labor, and material forecasting to secure construction bids. The role manages the bidding process ...

MP RPO

Chief Estimator

Peabody, MA · On-site

$170 - $230/hr

Chief Estimator | Commercial Construction Lead Strategy. Build Winning Teams. Shape the Future of Construction. Are you a seasoned Chief Estimator or Senior Estimating Leader ready to make a ...

Sundt Construction, Inc.

Chief Estimator

Dallas, TX · On-site

$127K - $169K/yr

Chief Estimators have a demonstrated ability and willingness to mentor and train new estimators regarding all facets of preconstruction efforts. The Chief Estimator reports to Preconstruction ...

All 5's Construction

Chief Estimator

Henderson, NV

$116K - $154K/yr

All 5's Construction is searching for a Chief Estimator to join our Concrete team in Las Vegas, NV! An All 5's Chief Estimator is primarily responsible for overseeing the Estimating and ...

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Chief Estimator information

See salary details

$47.5K

$148.4K

$204.5K

How much do chief estimator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief estimator in the United States is $148,376.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $171,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chief estimator?

A chief estimator is primarily responsible for making financial budgets and estimates to bid on a construction or design project. People in this job take into account many factors when making an estimate. These factors include the cost of building materials, cost of labor, cost of transportation, fees, tariffs, and profit margin. The chief estimator may also use software analysis, or analysis of previous estimates to help them make predictions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief estimator?

To thrive as a Chief Estimator, you need strong analytical skills, deep knowledge of construction processes, and extensive experience in cost estimating, typically backed by a degree in construction management or a related field. Proficiency with estimating software like Bluebeam, ProEst, or Sage Estimating and familiarity with project management tools are crucial. Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills help coordinate teams and effectively present cost proposals. These abilities are vital for producing accurate bids, securing profitable projects, and maintaining an organization's competitive edge.

How does a chief estimator typically collaborate with project managers and other departments during the bidding process?

A Chief Estimator plays a central role in collaborating with project managers, engineers, and procurement teams throughout the bidding process. They organize and lead meetings to review project requirements, clarify scope, and ensure that all cost components are accurately included. By working closely with other departments, they help identify risks, value engineering opportunities, and resource needs, ensuring that bids are both competitive and realistic. This cross-functional collaboration is essential for producing thorough, accurate proposals and maintaining strong client relationships.

What is the difference between Chief Estimator vs Estimating Engineer?

AspectChief EstimatorEstimating Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in construction management or civil engineering, with extensive estimating experienceOften holds a degree in engineering or construction, with specialized estimating training
Work EnvironmentLeads the estimating team, oversees large projects, and collaborates with senior managementFocuses on preparing detailed cost estimates, working under the supervision of senior estimators or project managers
Industry UsageCommonly used in construction firms for large-scale projectsUsed across construction and engineering firms for detailed project cost analysis

The Chief Estimator is responsible for leading the estimating department and making high-level cost decisions, while the Estimating Engineer focuses on preparing detailed estimates and supporting project bids. Both roles require strong technical skills and industry knowledge, but differ in scope and leadership responsibilities.

Is a chief estimator a stressful job?

A chief estimator role can be stressful due to the responsibility of accurately forecasting project costs and ensuring profitability. The job often involves tight deadlines, complex calculations, and coordination with multiple teams, which can contribute to high-pressure situations. Strong organizational skills and experience with estimating software help manage these challenges effectively.

What does a chief estimator do?

A chief estimator is responsible for preparing and managing cost estimates for construction projects, ensuring accuracy and competitiveness. They analyze project plans, collaborate with clients and contractors, and use estimating software to develop budgets and bid proposals, often overseeing a team of estimators. Strong analytical skills, industry knowledge, and attention to detail are essential for this role.
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Chief Estimator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Estimator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $148,376 per year, or $71.3 per hour.

Chief Estimator

Fessler & Bowman Inc

Holly, MI • On-site

$114K - $152K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Founded in 1963 by Don Fessler & George Bowman, Fessler & Bowman, Inc. has grown from a residential flatwork & basement wall contractor to a top 100 Commercial Concrete Contractor recognized across the nation. Keeping customer satisfaction as our fundamental core value has allowed Fessler & Bowman, Inc. to prosper for more than six decades.
Our Culture & Philosophy:
Fessler & Bowman is a fast-paced and culture-focused industry leader in specialty concrete and civil earthwork. When we talk about culture at F&B, it is not just a plaque hanging in our lobby. Our values are our driving force and have allowed us to build a phenomenal team delivering best in class products to our customers.
  • Open & Constructive
  • Take Pride in Our Product
  • Relentless Commitment
  • Care About Our Customers
  • Team Success

Summary:
A Chief Estimator is a primary member of the estimating team who has overall responsibility for the creation of budgets and estimates produced by the region, under the Regional Director. The Chief Estimator is responsible for the oversight of the estimating process for all projects bid and awarded in the region, and will maintain standardized procedures, methods and processes for estimating and training the estimating team in the use of the same. The Chief Estimator will oversee analysis of past performance on projects and establish estimating standards for all future estimates based on such analysis, and assist in oversight and maintenance of the historical cost database and bid management and estimating software. The Chief Estimator takes ownership of procedures, processes, techniques and personnel decisions for assigned projects. Collaborating with the Director of Estimating, Business Development managers and Bid Coordinator, this role will oversee department standards for deliverables such as bid packages, reporting of work sold and reporting of metrics and other deliverable formats. Manages and coordinates the people, software and other resources used to perform the estimating functions. Projects range from fully defined (conventional "Bid-Build" Projects) to conceptual (alternative procurement such as "Design-Build" Projects). The descriptions below are representative of, but not limited to, the duties and responsibilities for this position.
Five Key Roles of the Chief Estimator:
  • Directly manages members of the regional Estimating team through mentoring and coaching.
  • Assists in the bid review process to confirm bids are accurate and to instruct the team on best practices when necessary.
  • Identifies project-specific risk issues and the potential impact on Fessler & Bowman, as well as potential strategies to help mitigate those risks.
  • Developing innovative, accurate estimates consistent with Fessler & Bowman's costs.
  • Executes the sales strategy for the region including target customers and projects focusing on building and maintaining new and existing relationships with customers in conjunction with Business Unit Directors and Business Development.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Assigns responsibilities of estimating team on each project.
  • Reviews project plans and specifications and coordinates with the team to confirm complete scope.
  • Identify risk issues and their order of magnitude.
  • Supports the determination of whether to pursue a project by participating in the "Go/No-Go" with Regional Directors.
  • Solicit subcontractor and/or supplier information & pricing.
  • Assist in "Good Faith Efforts" as required.
  • Prepares instructions to bidders, bid form and other bid solicitation information as required.
  • Performs and/or manages the quantity survey take-off and pricing effort for internal budgets.
  • Prepares conceptual budgets based on minimal information.
  • Reviews general conditions, schedule, scopes of work, hoisting plans, site logistics and other exhibits as prepared by Operations when applicable
  • Ensures the flow of project information is maintained and documented.
  • Reviews and/or manages the review and scoping of specialty contractor bids.
  • Coordinates insurance requirements with insurance carriers.
  • Coordinates technical proposal requirements with Marketing Department.
  • Reviews constructability issues with operational staff.
  • Maintains and communicates data on construction and material cost trends affecting project costs.
  • Analyze alternate means and methods to determine the most economic alternative.
  • Builds effective relationships with customers, design team, specialty contractors, suppliers, and user groups that reflect and support company core values and meets or exceeds the customer's expectations.
  • Actively participates in industry, client and community relations to enhance company image.
  • Assist project personnel on successful proposals as follows:
    • Participate in the transfer of information on successful projects including the Job Kick-off Meeting
    • Assist in the preparation and review of work plans as requested
    • Participate in periodic reviews and visits to projects as appropriate
    • Pricing of change impacts as required
  • Communicating and upholding the Company's commitment to Integrity and Code of Ethics.
  • Other relevant tasks as assigned

Education, Experience & Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Construction Management preferred.
  • At least seven (7) years of construction experience.
  • Experience with mentoring or leading a team.
  • Proficient in using Bid2Win estimating software or similar tool(s).
  • Estimating medium-to-large commercial and industrial projects.
  • Creative and results-oriented critical thinker, with a strong sense of urgency and self-motivation.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, with an adaptable and flexible style in working with all types of individuals.

Travel:
Travel to and from job sites and office locations is required for this position. Fessler & Bowman will compensate for travel when applicable.
Work Environment:
As a Chief Estimator, you will be subject to various work environments. These environments include office and field settings. Employees must be comfortable with sitting for an extended period.
Benefits:
Fessler & Bowman is proud to provide eligible Team Members with the following benefits:
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • 401k with company contributions
  • Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off

Recruitment Process:
The recruitment process will include a phone screen, in-person meeting, and a pre-employment background check and drug test.
Fessler & Bowman is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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