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Cost Estimating Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

Cost Estimating Manager III

San Diego, CA · On-site

$112K - $205K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for a Cost Estimating Manager to join our Cost Engineering team, located in our Rancho Bernardo facility. This is a working manager role. This position is responsible ...

MCS

Estimating Manager

Lexington, KY

This role requires deep expertise in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and DOEspecific requirements The Estimating Manager leads the development of cost ...

Blue Energy

Estimating Manager

Chevy Chase, MD · On-site

By manufacturing this way, we put nuclear power on the same cost-reduction curve that has made wind, solar, and batteries cheaper every year. Role Summary The Estimating Manager is responsible for ...

Force

Estimating Manager

Billings, MT · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Analyze project specifications, blueprints, and other relevant documents to identify project requirements and develop accurate cost estimates. * Collaborate with project managers and other ...

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How much do cost estimating manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for cost estimating manager in the United States is $90,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $117,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cost estimating manager do?

A Cost Estimating Manager oversees the process of predicting the costs associated with a project or product, ensuring that estimates are accurate and align with company budgets and goals. They analyze project plans, gather data, and lead a team of estimators to prepare detailed cost projections. In addition, they often collaborate with project managers, engineers, and clients to identify potential cost savings and risks. Their work is crucial for helping organizations make informed financial decisions and maintain profitability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cost estimating manager?

To thrive as a Cost Estimating Manager, you need expertise in cost analysis, budgeting, and project management, typically supported by a degree in engineering, construction management, or finance. Familiarity with cost estimating software such as Sage Estimating, CostX, or ProEst, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Excel, is often required, and certifications like AACE’s Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) are advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with project teams and stakeholders. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering accurate cost projections, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring project profitability and success.

How does a cost estimating manager typically collaborate with other departments during a project's lifecycle?

A Cost Estimating Manager works closely with project managers, engineers, procurement teams, and finance departments to gather the detailed information needed for accurate cost assessments. Throughout a project's lifecycle, they facilitate regular meetings to review estimates, track changes, and ensure alignment with budget constraints. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential, as the role often involves reconciling differing priorities while providing actionable cost insights to leadership. This collaborative approach helps achieve project goals while managing financial risk.

What is the difference between Cost Estimating Manager vs Cost Estimator?

AspectCost Estimating ManagerCost Estimator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or related field; often with certifications like AACE Certified Estimating ProfessionalSimilar educational background; certifications are common but less advanced
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, manages budgets, and coordinates with project managers in construction or engineering firmsPerforms detailed cost calculations, prepares estimates, and supports project planning
Industry UsageUsed in construction, engineering, and manufacturing industries for project cost controlCommonly employed in similar industries for detailed cost analysis and bid preparation

The main difference is that a Cost Estimating Manager oversees the estimating process, manages teams, and handles high-level budgeting, while a Cost Estimator focuses on detailed cost calculations and preparing estimates. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to project planning, but the manager has broader responsibilities and leadership duties.

What cities are hiring for Cost Estimating Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Cost Estimating Manager job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cost Estimating jobs?

The most popular types of Cost Estimating jobs are:

What states have the most Cost Estimating Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cost Estimating Manager jobs include:

Cost Estimating Manager jobs near you

Cost Estimating Manager

Timberline Construction Group LLC

Fort Myers, FL • On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Cost Estimating Manager
Position Summary
Timberline Construction Group is seeking a driven and experienced Cost Estimating Manager to lead estimating operations for residential reconstruction and disaster recovery construction projects.
This role is responsible for overseeing estimating strategy, change order pricing, subcontractor cost analysis, estimator performance, and cost reporting. The Cost Estimating Manager will ensure estimates are accurate, timely, contract-compliant, and aligned with both company and client expectations.
The ideal candidate is a strong leader with deep construction knowledge, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to build scalable estimating processes in a fast-paced project environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead, support, and develop the estimating team while ensuring accuracy, accountability, and production goals are met.
  • Oversee construction estimates, scopes of work, and change order pricing.
  • Review and interpret engineering plans, specifications, surveys, and construction documents.
  • Translate engineering, design, and field requirements into accurate cost estimates, budgets, and scopes of work.
  • Validate labor, material, subcontractor, equipment, and production costs.
  • Ensure estimates comply with contract requirements, approved pricing structures, client standards, and program guidelines.
  • Manage change order review, pricing justification, documentation, and tracking.
  • Drive estimating efficiency through process improvement, standardized templates, reporting visibility, and quality control.
  • Collaborate with pre-construction, construction managers, project management, and operations teams to support project execution and forecasting.
  • Maintain estimating tools, pricing databases, tracking systems, and KPI reporting.
  • Monitor estimator workload, performance, turnaround times, and estimate accuracy.
  • Identify cost trends, pricing gaps, scope issues, and opportunities for improved estimating consistency.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
  • Previous leadership experience managing estimating teams or construction-related staff.
  • Strong understanding of residential construction, reconstruction, repair scopes, and change order management.
  • Experience preparing, reviewing, and validating construction cost estimates.
  • Proficiency with Xactimate, Microsoft Excel, and construction cost analysis.
  • Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, scopes of work, surveys, and field documentation.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally with internal teams, clients, and subcontractors.
  • High level of accountability, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Preferred Experience
  • Experience with CDBG-DR, FEMA, HUD, or other disaster recovery programs.
  • Experience with manufactured housing, residential reconstruction, site-built homes, or storm recovery construction.
  • Familiarity with government-funded construction programs, compliance requirements, and client-approved pricing structures.
  • Experience building estimating processes, tracking systems, or KPI reporting tools.
  • Background working with subcontractor pricing, production schedules, and field-based construction operations.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can balance speed, accuracy, and accountability. This person should be comfortable working in a fast-moving environment, managing multiple priorities, supporting team performance, and improving systems that help estimating operations run more efficiently.
Employment with Timberline Construction Group is contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug test and a background check, which may include criminal history and employment verification.
By submitting your application, you consent to agreeing to partake in a pre-employment drug test and a background check. Refusal to consent to testing may result in withdrawal of the offer. All candidates will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment.

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