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Chief Estimator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Estimator

Peabody, MA ยท On-site

$175K - $240K/yr

  • Medical

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 ...

Chief Estimator

Austin, TX

$127K - $169K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Chief Estimator is responsible for the overall management of estimating activities for Enterprise Electricals Houston Division. This role oversees all estimating operations, ensuring accurate ...

Chief Estimator

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$152K - $201K/yr

The Chief Estimator is a senior leadership position responsible for directing and managing all aspects of the estimating process for complex, large-scale demolition projects. This role requires a ...

Chief Estimator

Franklin, TN ยท On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Chief Estimator - Mechanical/Structural Company: Loenbro, LLC Location: Franklin, TN Reports to: Preconstruction Manager Employment Type: Full Time About Loenbro Loenbro is a trusted, long-term ...

Chief Estimator

Baltimore, MD ยท On-site

$165K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Chief Estimator Location: DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) Reports To: Vice President of Internal Operations This job is offered by a Recruiter --- Position Summary: The Chief Estimator is responsible ...

Chief Estimator

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$127K - $169K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Chief Estimator is responsible for the overall management of estimating activities for Enterprise Electricals Houston Division. This role oversees all estimating operations, ensuring accurate ...

Chief Estimator

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$140 - $190/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Chief Estimator is responsible for the overall management of estimating activities for Enterprise Electricals Houston Division. This role oversees all estimating operations, ensuring accurate ...

Chief Estimator

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$127K - $169K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Chief Estimator is responsible for the overall management of estimating activities for Enterprise Electricals Houston Division. This role oversees all estimating operations, ensuring accurate ...

Chief Estimator

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$90 - $120/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Chief Estimator is responsible for the overall management of estimating activities for Enterprise Electricals Houston Division. This role oversees all estimating operations, ensuring accurate ...

Chief Estimator

Somerset, NJ ยท On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

The Chief Estimator is responsible for developing competitive, accurate, and profitable bids for heavy civil, highway, bridge, paving, sitework, utility, aviation, rail, and infrastructure projects ...

Chief Estimator

Elk River, MN ยท On-site

$130 - $180/hr

Job Title CHIEF ESTIMATOR Client Confidential Client (Construction) Location Elk River, Minnesota (Onsite) Compensation $130,000 - $180,000 Job Summary Head of Estimating role -- not just a working ...

Chief Estimator

Sterling, VA ยท On-site +1

$130K - $172K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Chief Estimator Location: Remote with occasional travel to Virginia office Company: Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) Introduction: At Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG), we are always seeking talented ...

Chief Estimator

Peabody, MA ยท On-site

$175K - $240K/yr

  • Medical

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

Chief Estimator

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$130K - $172K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Chief Estimator Location: Remote with occasional travel to Virginia office Company: Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) Introduction: At Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG), we are always seeking talented ...

Chief Estimator

Elk River, MN ยท On-site

$130 - $180/hr

CHIEF ESTIMATOR Client : Confidential Client (Construction) Location : Elk River, Minnesota (Onsite) Compensation : $130,000 - $180,000 Head of Estimating role -- not just a working estimator.

Chief Estimator

Peabody, MA ยท On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

The Chief Estimator is responsible for leading AMCON's estimating and preconstruction functions to ensure accurate, competitive, and strategic project pursuits that support the company's growth ...

Chief Estimator

San Francisco, CA

$175K - $225K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Chief Estimator For more than 30 years, we have built a reputation as a trusted construction partner, delivering exceptional projects and lasting relationships throughout the West Coast. As our ...

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Showing results 41-60

Chief Estimator information

See salary details

$47.5K

$148.4K

$204.5K

How much do chief estimator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 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.

What cities are hiring for Chief Estimator jobs?

Cities with the most Chief Estimator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Estimator jobs?

The most popular types of Chief Estimator jobs are:

What states have the most Chief Estimator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Chief Estimator jobs include:

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

MP RPO

Peabody, MA โ€ข On-site

$175K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

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 significant impact? We're seeking an experienced commercial construction professional to lead our estimating and preconstruction team, driving strategic project pursuits, mentoring top talent, and helping shape the future growth of a thriving organization.
If you're a collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building relationships, and has a passion for winning complex commercial projects, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Do
As the Chief Estimator, you'll serve as a key member of the leadership team, overseeing all estimating and preconstruction functions while ensuring projects are positioned for success from concept through handoff to operations.
Responsibilities include:
  • Lead and oversee all estimating and preconstruction activities.
  • Develop estimating standards, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Manage department staffing, workload, recruiting, and team development.
  • Lead pursuit strategies for complex commercial construction projects.
  • Review conceptual budgets, GMPs, negotiated proposals, and final estimates.
  • Partner closely with Operations, Business Development, and Executive Leadership to develop winning project strategies.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers.
  • Oversee value engineering, constructability reviews, risk assessments, and logistics planning.
  • Mentor and develop Estimators and Senior Estimators while fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture.
  • Monitor market trends, labor availability, material pricing, and subcontractor capacity.
  • Champion innovation by improving estimating technology, systems, and processes.
  • Contribute to strategic planning and long-term company growth.

What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
  • 10+ years of commercial construction estimating experience.
  • 5+ years of estimating leadership or management experience.
  • Proven experience leading negotiated work, conceptual estimating, budgeting, and preconstruction services.
  • Demonstrated success managing large, complex commercial construction pursuits.
  • Strong understanding of construction methods, scheduling, procurement, project delivery, and risk management.
  • Experience leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing estimating teams.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and client relationship skills.
  • Proficiency with estimating software, project management platforms, and construction technology.

What Makes You Successful
We're looking for someone who:
  • Thinks strategically while remaining detail-oriented.
  • Builds trust and long-lasting client relationships.
  • Leads with confidence, humility, and accountability.
  • Excels in mentoring and developing future leaders.
  • Thrives in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.
  • Can balance multiple priorities while delivering accurate, competitive estimates.
  • Brings an innovative mindset and embraces technology to improve processes.

Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to join an organization experiencing tremendous growth, where you'll have the ability to influence strategy, build a high-performing estimating team, and play a pivotal role in securing exciting commercial construction projects.
You'll work alongside an engaged leadership team that values:
  • Collaboration over ego
  • Continuous learning and professional growth
  • Innovation and forward-thinking ideas
  • Strong client relationships
  • Accountability and ownership
  • A culture where every team member has a voice
  • Robust health insurance with 80% of employee premiums paid by the company
  • Competitive annual salary plus performance-based bonus opportunities

If you're looking for a leadership role where you can make a lasting impact on both projects and people, we'd love to connect with you.
Apply today and help lead the next generation of commercial construction excellence.