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Desk Estimator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Role The Estimating/Preconstruction Department is responsible for preparing budgets and bids ... Given that a good portion of your day will be spent at a desk, you should be comfortable with ...

The Role The Estimating/Preconstruction Department is responsible for preparing budgets and bids ... Given that a good portion of your day will be spent at a desk, you should be comfortable with ...

... Service Desk Assistant Academic Year Summer 2026 Term or Semester Summer Is this Role for an ... estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of ...

Office clerk

Pomona, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $18/hr

Job Type Full-time, Part-time Description Front Desk Clerk Commercial Janitorial Services, We are ... Assisting preparing or processing estimates * Packaging and shipping company materials * Welcome ...

Regional Director

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

The Senior Project Director is not a desk-only role. This position requires a hands-on leader who can sell work, estimate opportunities, write scopes, manage projects, and lead field and office teams ...

Office clerk

Pomona, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $18/hr

Job Type Full-time, Part-time Description Front Desk Clerk Commercial Janitorial Services, We are ... Assisting preparing or processing estimates * Packaging and shipping company materials * Welcome ...

... Desk crewmembers average pay is $400 - $900 / week. This is $16.90 / hour , plus tipshare. The advertised expected range is an estimate, only, and is based on current take home averages. It is based ...

... Desk crewmembers average pay is $400 - $900 / week. This is $16.90 / hour, plus tipshare. The advertised expected range is an estimate, only, and is based on current take home averages. It is based ...

... Desk crewmembers average pay is $400 - $800 / week. This is $16.90 / hour, plus tipshare. The advertised expected range is an estimate, only, and is based on current take home averages. It is based ...

... Desk crewmembers average pay is $400 - $900 / week. This is $16.90 / hour , plus tipshare. The advertised expected range is an estimate, only, and is based on current take home averages. It is based ...

Host/Hostess

Corona, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... Desk crewmembers average pay is $400 - $800 / week. This is $16.90 / hour, plus tipshare. The advertised expected range is an estimate, only, and is based on current take home averages. It is based ...

Host/Hostess

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... Desk crewmembers average pay is $400 - $900 / week. This is $16.90 / hour, plus tipshare. The advertised expected range is an estimate, only, and is based on current take home averages. It is based ...

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Desk Estimator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$39.1K

$87.4K

$129.9K

How much do desk estimator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for desk estimator in Riverside, CA is $87,406.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,900.00 and $104,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a desk estimator?

A Desk Estimator is a professional who evaluates and prepares cost estimates for projects, typically in industries like construction or insurance, without visiting the physical site. Instead, they use digital tools, plans, photographs, and other documentation to analyze project requirements and determine the anticipated costs. Desk Estimators play a crucial role in budgeting, bidding, and project planning by providing accurate and timely estimates. Their work helps organizations make informed decisions and ensures that projects stay within financial constraints.

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

To thrive as a Desk Estimator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of construction or repair processes, often backed by relevant experience or education in estimating or project management. Familiarity with estimating software (such as Xactimate or Sage Estimating), spreadsheet tools, and digital documentation systems is typically required. Exceptional organizational abilities, communication skills, and the capacity to multitask help you excel in collaborating with clients, vendors, and internal teams. These competencies ensure accurate cost assessments, efficient workflow, and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.

What are some common challenges desk estimators face when balancing multiple projects simultaneously?

Desk Estimators often manage several projects at once, which requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail to avoid errors in calculations or missing deadlines. Prioritizing tasks, keeping clear records, and maintaining regular communication with project managers and clients are essential to ensuring estimates are accurate and timely. Utilizing estimating software and maintaining updated templates can help streamline the process, but the fast-paced environment and shifting project scopes can still present challenges. Effective time management and proactive problem-solving are key for success in this role.

What is the difference between Desk Estimator vs Cost Estimator?

AspectDesk EstimatorCost Estimator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles require certifications in estimating softwareHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in cost estimation or related fields often preferred
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, primarily using estimating software and spreadsheetsOffice setting, analyzing data, preparing cost reports
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, and engineering firmsConstruction, manufacturing, and project management industries
Primary FocusPreparing detailed project estimates based on drawings and specificationsCalculating and analyzing project costs to ensure budget adherence

Both roles involve estimating costs for projects, often within the construction industry. A Desk Estimator focuses on preparing detailed estimates using project documents, while a Cost Estimator may have a broader role in analyzing overall project costs and budgets. The roles overlap significantly, but the Desk Estimator is more specialized in the initial estimation process.

Are desk estimators in high demand?

Desk estimators are in steady demand in the construction and contracting industries, as they play a key role in project cost estimation and bidding. Their skills in reading blueprints, using estimating software, and understanding construction materials are highly valued, especially during periods of infrastructure development and construction activity.

What are popular job titles related to Desk Estimator jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Desk Estimator jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Desk Estimator jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Desk Estimator job openings:

Senior Estimator

Clark

Corona, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

About Atkinson

Building our nation's infrastructure since 1926, Atkinson provides innovative design and construction solutions for heavy civil projects. We are committed to safely delivering complex, quality projects while building long-lasting, collaborative relationships with our clients.

The Role

The Estimating/Preconstruction Department is responsible for preparing budgets and bids for all Atkinson projects, and for continuous preconstruction on awarded projects that are in the development phase. The responsibilities of the Estimating/Preconstruction Department include compiling qualified bidders lists; issuing invitations to bidders; soliciting bids; preparing estimates for all Atkinson work; quantifying and pricing labor and materials; receiving bids; and reviewing bids to prepare total project costs. This key member of our team will passionately help promote the development of creative, innovative solutions to construction challenges and enjoy the acquisition of winning, profitable work.

Responsibilities

  • Maintain high standards of professionalism and ethical behavior when representing the Company

  • Analyze drawings, specifications, proposals, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates for projects under various delivery methods

  • Lead or perform portions of estimates for multi-discipline projects, including understanding scope and performing accurate quantity surveys

  • Supervise and train other estimators in your primary area of expertise

  • Solicit subcontractor and/or vendor quotes and evaluate them for scope and qualifications

  • Lead meetings with subcontractors to develop complete scopes and discuss strategy

  • Perform risk and contract management responsibilities as required on bids

  • Assist in developing a strategy to achieve minority participation requirements

  • Review total estimate to ensure accuracy and completeness prior to formal quotation

  • Monitor comparison of estimated costs to actual costs

  • Research and promote continuous improvement in developing more efficient estimating methods

Basic Qualifications

  • 7+ years of engineering, estimating, construction management, general management, or field engineering experience in the heavy civil field is required

  • Undergraduate degree in engineering, construction management or related degree

  • HCSS Estimating software experience

  • Software: Takeoff, Heavy Bid, Bluebeam, AGTek

  • Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to multi-task

  • Must be detail oriented, technically sound and have good communication skills

  • Must be familiar with both conceptual, detailed, and self-perform estimating

  • Field experience is preferred

  • Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications

  • High degree of initiative, independence, personal responsibility, and integrity

  • Willingness to speak up, listen up, ask open-ended questions, and learn from others

  • Strong interpersonal skills

  • Effective oral and written communication skills

  • Strong work ethic and ability to work in a fast-paced team environment

  • Alignment to our Standards of Excellence: self-motivated, results-oriented, adaptable, team player, accountable, ethical, innovative, resilient, builds relationships, builds people/teams and followership, sets direction and executes

The work environment and requirements described below are representative of those necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role.

The Physical Side of the Role: Given that a good portion of your day will be spent at a desk, you should be comfortable with prolonged periods of focused work, whether it's collaborating with colleagues, analyzing data, or developing strategies. The role demands effective communication and sharp visual acuity for reviewing complex documents and performing detailed computer work. While there are times for quiet concentration, you'll also be expected to move actively throughout the office and travel occasionally to various locations, including dynamic construction sites, utilizing different modes of transportation. The ability to lift and move objects up to 10 pounds regularly, and up to 25 pounds on occasion (think a box of files or small office equipment), is also required.

Your Work Environment: Your primary workspace will be in our professional office, which has typical, quiet-to-moderate noise and light levels. As part of your work, you may also be required to visit active construction sites. These environments are naturally more dynamic and can include exposure to outdoor weather conditions, louder noise, and moving equipment. Your safety is our top priority, and you'll be expected to follow Clark Construction's safety policies and procedures and all applicable laws at all locations.

Our High-Performing Culture: This is a demanding, high-performance environment. We are looking for candidates who are energized by challenge, thrive under pressure, and are prepared to do what it takes to achieve exceptional results. Success in this role requires significant commitment, including flexibility to work extended hours, especially during critical project phases or client deadlines. Beyond regular working hours, there will be occasions where business needs require your attention, particularly for time-sensitive matters or emergencies. You are expected to monitor and respond to communications (phone calls, emails, text messages) as required to address these situations effectively. Your ability to manage these expectations and be responsive when critical issues arise is key to your success in this role and our collective success as a team.


A Drug-Free Workplace: Clark promotes a drug-free workplace. A pre-employment drug "fitness for duty" screening is required, and the company conducts random quarterly drug "fitness for duty" tests.

Atkinson offers a total compensation package that includes base salary, bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefit package that includes health benefits (medical and dental plans), paid time off (vacation, sick and holiday), financial benefits (retirement plan with both match and annual company contribution, life insurance, short and long term disability, and commuter benefits). Additional benefits include fitness reimbursement, healthcare and dependent care pre-tax spending plans, tuition reimbursement, back-up daycare and family support benefits, EAP, work-life assistance, and a holiday contribution program. Base salaries will be determined by factors such as geographic location, education, skills, experience, and market considerations. For this role the base salary range is $110,000 to $160,000