1

Estimation Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Estimating Manager - Ship Repair & Marine Industry Direct Hire | Superior Skilled Trades 📍 Honolulu, HI Must be willing to relocate Relocation Assistance Provided 💰 up to $150,000/year DOE ...

Our team of seasoned professionals designs, builds, manages, and maintains critical and sustainable ... Position Summary: The Director of Estimating is responsible for leading all estimating and ...

Showing results 21-40

Estimation Manager information

See California salary details

$27.1K

$80.6K

$135.7K

How much do estimation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for estimation manager in California is $80,607.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an estimation manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Estimation Manager, you need a strong background in cost estimation, project management, and industry-specific knowledge, often supported by a degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field. Familiarity with estimation software (like CostX, Sage Estimating, or Bluebeam), spreadsheets, and sometimes relevant certifications such as AACE or RICS is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, leadership, and effective communication skills help you lead teams and clearly convey complex cost data to stakeholders. These skills are essential for producing accurate estimates, managing risks, and ensuring project profitability and client satisfaction.

What is the difference between Estimation Manager vs Estimator?

AspectEstimation ManagerEstimator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field; certifications like CPC or AACE are commonOften holds similar degrees or certifications; may have less managerial training
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, oversees multiple projects, and manages estimation processesFocuses on preparing cost estimates for individual projects
Industry UsageUsed in construction, engineering, and large-scale project firmsCommonly found in similar industries, often as a team member

The Estimation Manager oversees the entire estimation process and manages teams, while the Estimator focuses on preparing specific project estimates. Both roles require relevant credentials and industry experience, but the manager has broader responsibilities and leadership duties.

How does an estimation manager typically collaborate with project managers and other departments during the bidding process?

An Estimation Manager works closely with project managers, engineers, and procurement teams to gather accurate project requirements, assess risks, and develop comprehensive cost estimates. Regular meetings and clear communication are essential to ensure all departments are aligned on project scope, timelines, and resource needs. By facilitating collaboration, the Estimation Manager helps create competitive bids that reflect both client expectations and company capabilities.

What does an estimation manager do?

An Estimation Manager is responsible for overseeing the process of calculating the costs, resources, and time required for a project, usually in industries like construction, engineering, or manufacturing. They lead a team of estimators to analyze project specifications, review blueprints, and gather data to produce accurate cost estimates. Estimation Managers also coordinate with project managers, engineers, and clients to ensure that estimates align with project requirements and budgets. Their work is essential for bidding on projects, setting budgets, and ensuring projects are financially viable.

What are the most commonly searched types of Estimation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Estimation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Estimation Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Estimation Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Estimation Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,607 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Estimating Manager

Murray Company Mechanical Contractors

Cypress, CA • On-site

$135K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Come grow with us...

At Murray Company, how we operate is defined by shared values that are 100 years in the making -Safety, Quality, Honesty, Hard Work and Pride of Ownership. These values have led to our company consistently being in the top 15% on ENRs Best Specialty Contractor’s list. Bring your enthusiasm and unique perspective to Murray Company where you will have the opportunity to grow with us professionally, personally, and financially. Join a team that cares about helping you thrive and succeed. You'll work alongside talented colleagues while establishing lifelong friendships and making a difference in our company and the specialty contracting community. As a part of Murray Company, you'll build long-term wealth by enjoying employee-ownership, great compensation, health & wellness benefits, and matched 401(k) retirement plan.

Position Summary

The Estimating Manager is responsible for supervising the estimating staff, managing project estimate deliverables, coordinating with subcontractors, and ensuring the accuracy and completeness of all proposals related to. This individual will play a key role in training and mentoring a team of estimators, supporting business development initiatives, and collaborating with project teams to validate and price changes effectively. The ideal candidate will have deep project scope specializing in at least one of the following trades: process piping, HVAC, sheet metal, and/or plumbing.

Location: San Leandro, Livermore or Sacramento, CA

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and supervise the estimating team, including assigning workloads, setting priorities, and managing performance to ensure high-quality deliverables.
  • Regularly contact the Pre-Construction Departments of our targeted community of General Contractors to identify opportunities.
  • Evaluate opportunities to ensure we pursue projects with the best opportunity for success; are consistent with our business model; exploit our competitive advantages and can contribute margins consistent with the business plan.
  • Review all plans, P&ID’s, specifications, and contracts prior to preparing the estimate to ensure any impacts on the work are identified.
  • Learn and operate a computer-based take-off and estimating system that can provide reproducible results.
  • Assist in selling the project, including but not limited to developing a scope of supply; presentations if required; entertaining; negotiating and closing.
  • Assist with budget preparation for initial project set-up and any priced change order work for the Project Managers.
  • Participate in the kickoff meeting; presenting the scope of work, work plan, budget, unusual requirements and any critical limitations on the scope of our work.
  • Monitor progress of the work for purposes of comparing actual production rates with bid rates.
  • Assist in preparation of project forecasts, claims and schedules; if required.
  • Assist in productivity tracking of labor units.
  • Lead weekly staff meetings for the purposes of identifying any scope deviations, monitoring production and forecasting future work.
  • Assist with developing alternate plans to recover projects where actual performance is not meeting budgeted plan.

Qualifications

Required

  • 5-10+ years of hands-on estimating team leadership and people management experience.
  • 10+ years of experience in cradle-to-grave estimating mechanical systems.
  • Experience in business development with new and existing clients and engaging in cross-selling opportunities.
  • Familiarity with various Estimating software (Autobid, Trimble, QuickPen, FastPIPE, etc.)
  • Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel.

Preferred

  • Field/Craft experience.
  • Expertise in estimating and close of large-scale high-purity / process piping mechanical projects, ideally in the semiconductor or biopharmaceutical sectors.
  • Understanding of piping and installation of equipment.
  • Bachelor’s degree in construction management or mechanical engineering, civil engineering or related field.

Physical Requirements

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk.
  • Must be able to lift to 15 pounds at times.
  • Must have visual acuity to see and interpret detailed construction drawings on computer screens and on paper.
  • Must be able to traverse uneven surfaces on project sites and climb stairs to access project site temporary offices.

Compensation

$135,000.00 - $190,000.00 per year

Total Rewards

Murray Company offers a generous total rewards package to include no less than a 15% Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) contribution annually on top of a discretionary cash bonus program. Additional benefits include a 3% 401(k) match, 100% company-paid medical coverage for employee (up to 2/3 for family), company provided life insurance, optional vision and dental insurance, and more.

Murray Company 3rd Party Recruiter Engagements

Murray Company does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate profiles from third-party recruiting agencies or individual recruiters in response to job postings. Resumes submitted to any employee of Murray Company without a signed agreement by an officer of the company (or his or her delegate) AND without the express written agreement by the Talent Acquisition or Human Resources function to engage in a search on behalf of the company will become property of Murray Company. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of Murray Company will not be considered binding terms. Murray Company will not pay a fee to any third-party recruiting firms or individual recruiters that have not coordinated their recruiting activity through the Talent Acquisition or Human Resources function.