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Desk Estimator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AMW Commercial Doors

Estimator

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Job Summary:The Estimator is a key position in the Company responsible for providing accurate ... Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Must be able to lift up to 15 ...

AMW Commercial Doors

Estimator

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Job Summary: The Estimator is a key position in the Company responsible for providing accurate ... Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 ...

AMW Commercial Doors

Estimator

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Job Summary:The Estimator is a key position in the Company responsible for providing accurate ... Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Must be able to lift up to 15 ...

Edmonson Electric LLC

ESTIMATOR

Land O Lakes, FL · On-site

Estimators will also be responsible for file maintenance, upkeep, and organization. Duties ... Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer * Must be able to lift up to 15 ...

Edmonson Electric LLC

ESTIMATOR

Land O Lakes, FL · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Estimators will also be responsible for file maintenance, upkeep, and organization. Duties ... Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer * Must be able to lift up to 15 ...

Berkley

Auto Damage Desk Adjuster

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$48K - $62K/yr

Identify total loss estimates for the claims department and provide an evaluation in the claim file ... Write desk estimates on repairable and total loss vehicles. * Run Salvage Pro-quotes for total loss ...

Berkley

Auto Damage Desk Adjuster

Wilmington, DE · Hybrid

$48K - $62K/yr

Identify total loss estimates for the claims department and provide an evaluation in the claim file ... Write desk estimates on repairable and total loss vehicles. * Run Salvage Pro-quotes for total loss ...

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Desk Estimator information

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How much do desk estimator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for desk estimator in the United States is $83,781.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $100,000.00 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.
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Desk Estimator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Desk Estimator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,781 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Sr. Estimator - Civil Primary

High Light Electric Inc

Colton, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Own the bid development process from pursuit through preconstruction handoff and maintain involvement through project execution and closeout.

  • Produce accurate, competitive, and margin-conscious estimates for civil and electrical scopes, with a primary focus on civil estimating.

  • Lead a small estimating team, develop junior estimators, and serve as the primary estimating resource within the assigned business unit.

Job description

About Mendoza Companies

Mendoza Companies is a multi-entity ecosystem of construction, services, and investment businesses operating underThe Mendoza Way. The platform includes High-Light Electric, Inc. (HLE) - a California-based union electrical infrastructure contractor founded in 1996 delivering public works and complex electrical construction across California - along with Mendoza Trust and an international independent contractor workforce.


We partner with Caltrans, municipalities, transit authorities, and infrastructure programs throughout California, with active expansion into Nevada, Arizona, and additional U.S. markets. In 2025, HLE was recognized on the Inc. Regionals Pacific list (#116).


Mendoza Companies is guided byMission 2040: to build a $1 billion business ecosystem connecting 1,000 families and communities through business.


The Role

The Senior Estimator owns HLE's bid development process from pursuit through preconstruction handoff - and maintains active involvement through project execution and closeout. This role produces accurate, competitive, and margin-conscious estimates across civil and electrical scopes, with civil estimating as the primary competency requirement for this seat.

This is not a desk estimating role. The Senior Estimator brings real field experience into the estimating process - closing the gap between what a bid assumes and what the field can actually execute. They lead a small estimating team, develop junior estimators, and serve as the primary estimating resource within their assigned AOM business unit.

As HLE transitions toward civil contractor leadership, this hire strengthens HLE's civil estimating capacity and complements the existing electrical estimating structure - forming a two-senior model where civil and electrical expertise develop in parallel, with junior estimators cross-training under each lead.


What You'll Do

  • Maintain a consistent bid submission rate that meets HLE's pursuit calendar - on scope, on deadline, and within margin targets.
  • Own takeoff accuracy and productivity validation across all active bids
  • Attend and document pre-bid site walks and pre-bid meetings - site condition reports submitted prior to every bid submission.
  • Execute pre-bid and post-bid reviews on every pursuit - findings logged, go/no-go recommendations supported by data, and results applied to improve future pricing strategy and competitive positioning.
  • Deliver complete, assumption-transparent preconstruction handoffs to the AOM on every awarded project - and maintain post-award engagement through financial reviews, change order support, and job closeout analysis.
  • Participate in periodic project financial reviews with the Finance Director and AOM - validate actual costs and productivities against bid assumptions, support critical change order pricing, and attend job closeout reviews to extract and apply lessons learned.
  • Protect bid margin - variance between estimated and actual costs is tracked, reviewed, and used to drive continuous estimating improvement.
  • Lead junior estimator development - measurable progress tracked through 1-on-1 cadence, takeoff quality improvement, and readiness milestones as the team is built
  • Own estimating team scorecard metrics and quarterly Rocks within the ML10 structure


Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field - preferred.

Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Relevant certifications may include:

  • AACE International - Certified Cost Technician (CCT), Certified Estimating Professional (CEP), or equivalent
  • APWA (American Public Works Association) certifications
  • AGC (Associated General Contractors) construction education programs
  • Caltrans or public works contractor training
  • Accredited construction management or estimating coursework

Verification of certifications may be requested during the hiring process.

Experience

  • 5-7 years of combined civil construction field and estimating experience - required
  • Background in field operations (foreman, superintendent, or similar) - strongly preferred
  • Proven experience estimating civil scopes (earthwork, grading, utilities, roadway) - required
  • Experience in California public works (prevailing wage, union labor, certified payroll) - required
  • Working familiarity with electrical estimating in a public works or infrastructure context - preferred.
  • Experience with preconstruction handoffs - preferred
  • Experience mentoring or leading estimators - preferred

Certifications & Tools

  • Proficiency in Bluebeam, Excel (advanced), and equivalent takeoff platforms - required.
  • Familiarity with Procore - preferred.
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 - preferred.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish - preferred; not required for this role.

A valid driver's license is required for this role due to travel to job sites and project locations.


What We Offer

  • Comprehensive health benefits package - medical, dental, vision.
  • 401(k) or equivalent retirement plan.
  • Multi-entity ecosystem with active expansion into Nevada, Arizona, and additional U.S. markets.
  • A mission-driven organization building for the long term - Mission 2040.


Hiring Process

Our process includes:

  • Application and screening questionnaire
  • AI-assisted resume and structured interview review
  • Recruiter screen
  • Leadership panel interview
  • Final interview with the CEO

AI tools are used to support consistency and efficiency and are regularly reviewed to ensure fairness and compliance.

Qualified candidates can expect a timely and structured process.

Pre-employment screening, reference checks, and verification of credentials are required prior to offer.


EEO Statement

Mendoza Companies and High-Light Electric, Inc. are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.


Learn More About Us

High Light Electric

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