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Cost Estimator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Citadel CPM

Cost Estimator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepare fair cost estimates for cost proposals from Contractors for extra work. * Perform special studies and prepare reports when contractors' bids vary from the construction cost estimate.

Pyrovio

Cost Estimator

Houston, TX · On-site +1

Pyrovio is seeking to employ a professional cost estimator with experience in utilities to estimate development for capital projects. The individual will be responsible for generating parametric and ...

Freese Nichols

Cost Estimator

Fort Worth, TX · Hybrid

As Estimator, you will support project teams with cost estimating across multiple projects and stages of the project lifecycle, helping develop reliable budgets, detailed estimates, and cost analyses ...

Janicki Industries

Cost Estimator

Hamilton, WA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are looking for a Cost Estimator to join our growing team. This position is located on-site in Hamilton, Washington State. POSITION DESCRIPTION Cost Estimators are the analytical pathfinders of ...

Gardiner & Theobald

Our Cost Estimating and Cost Intelligence teams work across a variety of sectors, offering you the chance to work on a wide variety of interesting and stimulating projects with no sector boundaries ...

Action Tool & Machine, INC.

Cost Estimator

Brighton, MI · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are currently hiring an experienced cost estimator with a strong machining background. This direct-hire position plays a critical role in analyzing customer requirements, interpreting technical ...

ASR INTERNATIONAL

Cost Estimator

Silverdale, WA · On-site

$35 - $47/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cost Estimator ASR International Corporation Location: Puget Sound - Bremerton Area, WA Employment Type: Full-Time Position Summary ASR International Corporation is seeking Cost Estimators to provide ...

New

ProSidian Consulting, LLC

Cost Estimator

Washington, DC · Remote

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ProSidian Seeks a Cost Estimator | Operations / Construction & Lifecycle Monitoring Support [DOE0057057] for Program Support on a Exempt 1099 Contract: No Overtime Pay Basis Remote (within USA - W ...

Parkson Corp.

Cost Estimator

Golden, CO · On-site

$77K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

The Manufacturing Cost Estimator is responsible for developing accurate and competitive cost estimates for custom fabricated equipment in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment. Working ...

Pyrovio

Pyrovio is seeking to employ a professional cost estimator with experience in utilities to estimate development for capital projects. The individual will be responsible for generating parametric and ...

Essel

Cost Estimator

Folsom, CA · On-site

Prepare detailed cost estimates for healthcare construction projects, including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs, ensuring compliance with OSHPD standards. * Review RFPs, RFIs ...

City of New York

Cost Estimator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Cost Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing cost estimates based on construction documents, utilizing RS Means database, for both newly-constructed and rehabilitated multi-family ...

New

The Nuclear Company

Cost Estimator

Columbia, SC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The estimator will interface with several stakeholders, both inside and outside of TNC, to develop reliable cost estimates with the appropriate pedigree aligned with international standards.

Pyrovio

Cost Estimator

Newark, NJ · On-site +1

Pyrovio is seeking to employ a professional cost estimator with experience in utilities to estimate development for capital projects. The individual will be responsible for generating parametric and ...

Vogt Power

Cost Estimator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$63K - $83K/yr

Position Summary The Cost Estimator provides timely and accurate cost estimates for proposals and assists in maintaining and improving the estimating process and tools. Essential Functions ...

Consertus, Inc.

Cost Estimator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Consertus is seeking a Cost Estimator to support LA Metro's LA 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games Program . This program includes a range of capital improvement projects such as Mobility Hubs , bus ...

ALFA Trechs, Inc.

Cost Estimator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Create detailed cost estimates, cost plans, and procurement strategies tailed to client needs * Review bids and analyze change orders to ensure projects stay on track and within budget * Conduct ...

Advatix, Inc.

Cost Estimator

Houston, TX · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Our Client is seeking an experienced Cost Estimator to support the planning, design, and pricing of bids for large-scale dredging projects. The ideal candidate will have strong estimating, analytical ...

Parkson Corp.

Cost Estimator

Golden, CO · On-site

$77K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

The Manufacturing Cost Estimator is responsible for developing accurate and competitive cost estimates for custom fabricated equipment in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment. Working ...

MBC Talent Connections

Cost Estimator

Houston, TX · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Cost Estimator - Full-Time Position Overview A leading provider of specialized marine services seeks a Cost Estimator to play a pivotal role in planning, design, and pricing of bids for large-scale ...

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Cost Estimator information

See salary details

$36.5K

$88.5K

$140.5K

How much do cost estimator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for cost estimator in the United States is $88,513.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cost estimator?

As a cost estimator, it’s your job to provide accurate estimates for building and construction projects. You must estimate the cost, scope, and magnitude of the project. Additional duties include creating a financial overview, summary for development, and contingency plan for the project. You must calculate all factors including labor, resources, materials, and equipment needed for the design and construction. Important qualifications are excellent communication skills and the confidence to present your fully-developed plan to the project management team.

What does a cost estimator do?

A Cost Estimator is responsible for analyzing data to determine the approximate costs of producing a product, completing a project, or providing a service. They collect and evaluate information such as labor, materials, and time requirements to create accurate cost estimates for businesses. Cost estimators work in a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and engineering, and their work helps companies plan budgets and make informed financial decisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cost estimator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Cost Estimator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid background in mathematics or engineering, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with cost estimation software such as CostOS, RSMeans, or Microsoft Excel, as well as certifications like the Certified Cost Professional (CCP), is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate with project teams and stakeholders. These abilities are critical to producing accurate estimates, managing project budgets, and ensuring the financial success of projects.

What are some common challenges faced by cost estimators during project planning?

Cost Estimators often face the challenge of gathering accurate and up-to-date data, especially when dealing with fluctuating material prices or incomplete project specifications. They must frequently coordinate with engineers, project managers, and suppliers to clarify details and account for potential risks. Balancing tight deadlines with thorough analysis is another common hurdle, as precise estimates are critical to project success and client satisfaction.

What is the difference between Cost Estimator vs Quantity Surveyor?

AspectCost EstimatorQuantity Surveyor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in construction, engineering, or related field; certifications like CPC or AACE are commonRequires a degree in construction management, quantity surveying, or related; often holds RICS or CIOB membership
Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based, preparing cost estimates for construction projectsOffice and site-based work, managing costs, contracts, and project finances
Industry UsageUsed across construction, manufacturing, and engineering sectorsPrimarily in construction and infrastructure projects

While both roles focus on project costs, a Cost Estimator primarily prepares initial cost estimates during project planning, whereas a Quantity Surveyor manages ongoing costs, contracts, and financial control throughout the project lifecycle.

What degree do you need for a cost estimator?

A cost estimator typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in fields such as construction management, engineering, finance, or accounting. Relevant skills include proficiency with estimating software and strong analytical abilities; some positions may prefer or require professional certifications like the Certified Professional Estimator (CPE).
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Cost Estimator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cost Estimator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,513 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Cost Estimator

Citadel CPM

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

ABOUT CITADEL CPM
Citadel CPM is a California corporation, headquartered in Pasadena with offices in Fullerton, Long Beach, Riverside, and Sacramento, as well as Phoenix, Arizona. Citadel was established in 2006 to provide professional construction project management services to Federal, State, and municipal agencies in the justice, corrections, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and military market sectors.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Our team is dedicated to making our clients' vision a reality while delivering projects on budget, schedule, scope, and quality expectations. Our team is committed to resolving issues in a professional and collaborative manner with integrity always foremost in mind. We are proud to know that Citadel CPM is regarded as a team of reputable professionals that clients seek to help them manage their construction projects, and that industry professionals aspire to join. Citadel's reputation has been built on a set of three principles that form our core values: Integrity, Professionalism, and Responsiveness.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Citadel CPM is in search of highly experienced Estimators to join our team. In this role, you will plan and participate in the preparation of construction cost estimates of buildings or other structures from drawings, outlines, and specifications. Prepare estimates per design based on scope and building type. In addition to that, you will develop and estimate the scope of work for change orders.
ABOUT YOU
You are a general trades Cost Estimator with at least 10 years of experience in preparation of complete cost estimates for type I, II, or III, and V building construction as defined by the State building code. You bring expertise in Design Build, Design Bid Build and Job Order Contracting forms of contracting. 5 years of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) estimating highly preferred.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • Evaluate cost-estimating deliverables prepared by consultants for cost containment, accuracy, uniformity and completeness.
  • Prepare fair cost estimates for cost proposals from Contractors for extra work.
  • Perform special studies and prepare reports when contractors' bids vary from the construction cost estimate.
  • Conduct construction/project site visits gathering relevant information and determine what information to be used to produce project estimates.
  • Conduct material takeoffs and quantity surveys for MEP systems, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components.
  • Evaluate pricing documents, historical and vendor cost data for the development of cost estimates and price recommendations.
  • Evaluate quotes, bids, change orders, value engineering reports, and claims for accuracy and completeness of estimates.
  • Compile and analyze data on all factors that influence costs such as material, labor, equipment and profit.
  • Prepare technical evaluations, cost estimating draft report, memos, letters, and present recommendation to management.
  • Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and architects to identify value engineering opportunities and cost-savings measures.
  • Perform other related estimating duties as assigned.
  • Ability to compare cost estimates with contractors' proposal to identify discrepancies.
  • Ability to develop scope of work based on RFI/RFC, answers and estimates the detailed costs of those scopes of work independent of the contractor proposal.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to perform basic calculations in Excel.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 10 years minimum recent professional experience in the preparation of complete cost estimates for type I, II, or III, and V building construction as defined by the State building code including 5 - 7 years of MEP estimating.
  • Expert in theories, principles, and practices of cost estimating and contract pricing.
  • Expert in Design Build, Design Bid Build and Job Order Contracting forms of contracting.
  • Full knowledge of construction methods for buildings and structures.
  • Full knowledge of current local construction labor and material costs.
  • Full knowledge of MEP systems, construction methods, and industry standards.
  • Extensive experience in developing and estimating the scope of work for change orders.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
  • BS/BA Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or other related degree. Additional qualifying experience in excess to the minimum stated above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Citadel is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace environment. Citadel is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, natural origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.
To request an interview accommodation please send an email to recruitadm@citadelcpm.com
In compliance with the local law, we are disclosing compensation, or a range therefore for location where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, licenses, skill set, experience and/or performance. Base pay is only one component of Citadel's total compensation packages for employees.
The pay range for the Cost Estimator position is $140,000 - $175,000 salary per year.
Featured Benefits
Medical Insurance
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
401K
Life and Long-Term Disability Insurances
Paid Time Off (PTO) for personal time, sick days, and holidays
Professional Development Reimbursement

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