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Preconstruction Estimator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Preconstruction Estimator is responsible for performing quantity surveying and preparing accurate cost, resource, labor, material, and schedule inputs to support Divcon sales bids and early ...

Preconstruction Estimator

Charlotte, NC ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Preconstruction Estimator Company:Location: Job Type: Salary: ## About Company About the Role We are seeking a detail-oriented Preconstruction Estimator to join our growing construction team in ...

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Preconstruction Estimator **Company: **Fourth Elm Construction, LLC Location: Charlotte, NC Job Type: Full-Time Salary: $80,000 - $100,000 About the Role We are seeking a detail-oriented ...

New

Preconstruction Estimator

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Preconstruction Estimator II Join Our Team as a Preconstruction Estimator II Ready to take on more independent estimating responsibility and contribute to competitive, winning bids in commercial ...

Preconstruction Estimator

Humble, TX ยท On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Preconstruction Estimator II Join Our Team as a Preconstruction Estimator II Ready to take on more independent estimating responsibility and contribute to competitive, winning bids in commercial ...

Preconstruction Estimator

Fort Worth, TX ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Preconstruction Estimator Join Our Pre-Construction Team Ready to take on more independent estimating responsibility and contribute to competitive, winning bids in commercial mechanical construction?

Preconstruction Estimator

Fort Worth, TX ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Preconstruction Estimator Join Our Pre-Construction Team Ready to take on more independent estimating responsibility and contribute to competitive, winning bids in commercial mechanical construction?

Preconstruction Estimator II

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Preconstruction Estimator II Join Our Team as a Preconstruction Estimator II Ready to take on more independent estimating responsibility and contribute to competitive, winning bids in commercial ...

Preconstruction Estimator

Irving, TX ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Preconstruction Estimator Join Our Pre-Construction Team Ready to take on more independent estimating responsibility and contribute to competitive, winning bids in commercial mechanical construction?

Preconstruction Estimator

Irving, TX ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Preconstruction Estimator Join Our Pre-Construction Team Ready to take on more independent estimating responsibility and contribute to competitive, winning bids in commercial mechanical construction?

Preconstruction Estimator II

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Preconstruction Estimator II Join Our Team as a Preconstruction Estimator II Ready to take on more independent estimating responsibility and contribute to competitive, winning bids in commercial ...

Preconstruction Estimator II Join Our Team as a Preconstruction Estimator II Ready to take on more independent estimating responsibility and contribute to competitive, winning bids in commercial ...

Preconstruction Estimator II

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Preconstruction Estimator II Join Our Team as a Preconstruction Estimator II Ready to take on more independent estimating responsibility and contribute to competitive, winning bids in commercial ...

Estimator Roles & Responsibilities * Work with the Project Manager and Superintendent to develop a preconstruction plan, estimate and schedule. * Organize, track and distribute all preconstruction ...

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Preconstruction Estimator information

See salary details

$31K

$73.3K

$127K

How much do preconstruction estimator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for preconstruction estimator in the United States is $73,275.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $86,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Preconstruction Estimator vs Construction Estimator?

AspectPreconstruction EstimatorConstruction Estimator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in construction management, engineering, or related field; certifications like CMAA or AACE are commonSimilar credentials; often holds degrees or certifications in construction or estimating
Work EnvironmentPrimarily involved in project planning, budgeting, and bid preparation before construction beginsWorks during the construction phase, estimating costs for ongoing or upcoming work
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by general contractors, construction managers, and design-build firms during project planningEmployed by contractors, subcontractors, and construction firms during project execution

The main difference is that Preconstruction Estimators focus on project planning, budgeting, and bid preparation before construction starts, while Construction Estimators handle cost estimation during the construction phase. Both roles require similar skills and credentials but serve different stages of the project lifecycle.

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

To thrive as a Preconstruction Estimator, you need strong analytical skills, proficiency in reading blueprints, and a solid background in construction or engineering, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with estimating software like Bluebeam, ProEst, or Sage Estimating, as well as knowledge of cost databases, is typically required. Effective communication, attention to detail, and negotiation skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and ensure accurate project evaluations. These competencies are crucial for producing reliable estimates, managing project risks, and supporting successful project planning and bidding.

What is a preconstruction estimator?

Preconstruction Estimators are professionals who analyze project plans and specifications to predict the costs of construction projects before work begins. They evaluate factors like materials, labor, equipment, and timelines to create detailed cost estimates and budgets. Their assessments help developers, architects, and contractors make informed decisions about the feasibility and scope of a project. By identifying potential risks and savings early, Preconstruction Estimators play a crucial role in ensuring projects stay on budget and on schedule.

How does a preconstruction estimator typically collaborate with project managers and design teams during the planning phase?

A Preconstruction Estimator works closely with project managers and design teams to develop accurate cost estimates and ensure that project budgets align with design intent. This collaboration often involves attending regular planning meetings, reviewing design documents, and providing value engineering suggestions to optimize costs. Effective communication and teamwork are essential in this role, as estimators must balance project requirements with budget constraints while keeping all stakeholders informed. This collaborative approach helps identify potential issues early and supports smoother project execution.
More about Preconstruction Estimator jobs
What cities are hiring for Preconstruction Estimator jobs? Cities with the most Preconstruction Estimator job openings:
What states have the most Preconstruction Estimator jobs? States with the most job openings for Preconstruction Estimator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Preconstruction Estimator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,275 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Preconstruction Estimator

Divcon Controls

Irving, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

About the role:
The Preconstruction Estimator is responsible for performing quantity surveying and preparing accurate cost, resource, labor, material, and schedule inputs to support Divcon sales bids and early preconstruction planning. This role reviews customer requirements, sales feedback, technical documents, and internal planning assumptions to build estimate inputs that support customer proposals and internal project readiness.
Working under the direction of the Manager, Preconstruction Estimating & Planning, the Preconstruction Estimator partners with Sales, Engineering, Programming, Procurement, Panel Shop, Field Operations, and project leadership to gather estimating inputs, validate assumptions, identify scope gaps, and support a clear transition from bid development to project execution. This role does not own final pricing strategy or project delivery, but is accountable for developing accurate, well-documented quantity takeoffs, cost plans, and estimate details and communicating risks, assumptions, and resource needs.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Review customer specifications, drawings, narratives, scope documents, sales feedback, and technical requirements to support bid development and preconstruction estimating.
  • Prepare detailed estimates for assigned opportunities, including labor, materials, equipment, programming, engineering support, panel build requirements, subcontractor support, travel, and other project-related costs.
  • Perform detailed quantity surveying and quantity takeoffs, including measurement, classification, and reconciliation of materials, equipment, labor units, and installation scope based on drawings, specifications, and available design information.
  • Coordinate with Engineering to gather input on design effort, drawing requirements, technical review needs, sequence of operations assumptions, and expected lead times for design deliverables.
  • Coordinate with Programming, SCADA, and controls teams to estimate programming hours, integration complexity, testing requirements, and sequencing considerations.
  • Partner with Procurement and Panel Shop teams to validate material pricing, component availability, long-lead items, vendor lead times, panel build timelines, and ordering assumptions.
  • Solicit, organize, and compare supplier and subcontractor quotations; perform bid leveling to identify scope gaps, qualifications, exclusions, pricing differences, and commercial risks.
  • Prepare and maintain a basis of estimate documenting quantity takeoffs, pricing sources, labor productivity, escalation, allowances, contingency, scope assumptions, exclusions, and estimate maturity.
  • Support Field Operations and project leadership by estimating field labor needs, crew assumptions, travel requirements, jobsite constraints, and execution sequencing based on project scope and schedule expectations.
  • Identify scope gaps, exclusions, unclear customer requirements, missing information, cost risks, schedule risks, and resource constraints that may impact bid accuracy or execution readiness.
  • Support constructability, value engineering, and lifecycle cost reviews by identifying cost-effective alternatives, documenting cost and schedule impacts, and coordinating technical validation with internal subject matter experts.
  • Maintain cost and risk logs for assigned opportunities and support the development of appropriate allowances and contingency based on scope definition, identified risks, and available project information.
  • Prepare estimate summaries, cost plans, cost breakdowns, resource assumptions, clarification notes, and supporting documentation for review by the Manager, Preconstruction Estimating & Planning and other stakeholders.
  • Participate in internal estimate reviews, bid readiness discussions, and post-award handoff meetings to ensure assumptions, risks, and planning requirements are clearly communicated.
  • Maintain estimating files, supporting documentation, quote records, bid assumptions, basis-of-estimate documentation, and version control in alignment with company standards.
  • Use historical project data, labor productivity information, vendor pricing, material usage, and project feedback to improve estimating accuracy over time.
  • Support development and continuous improvement of estimating templates, cost categories, resource planning tools, and standardized preconstruction processes.

Qualifications:
  • Working knowledge of quantity surveying, estimating, preconstruction planning, project coordination, procurement support, technical project execution, or construction operations.
  • Ability to interpret customer requirements, drawings, specifications, scopes of work, technical documents, and sales feedback to develop clear estimating inputs.
  • Understanding of labor planning, material lead times, engineering deliverables, programming effort, panel build requirements, and project execution sequencing.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to develop quantity takeoffs, cost plans, cost breakdowns, labor assumptions, material forecasts, schedule inputs, and estimate documentation.
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify missing information, unclear scope, cost risks, and planning assumptions that require clarification.
  • Effective communication skills with the ability to gather information from Sales, Engineering, Programming, Procurement, Panel Shop, Field Operations, and project leadership.
  • Ability to manage multiple estimates, deadlines, priorities, and stakeholder inputs while maintaining accuracy and organization.
  • Proficiency with spreadsheets, estimating tools, project management platforms, ERP systems, or related business systems used to track pricing, resources, materials, and project information.
  • Knowledge of quantity surveying methods, including measurement and quantification, cost planning, bills of quantities or schedules of values, tender analysis, bid leveling, value engineering, and cost risk identification.
  • Ability to organize estimates using consistent work breakdown structures and cost codes and to prepare clear, auditable basis-of-estimate documentation.

Experience
  • Minimum 2 years of experience in estimating, preconstruction, project coordination, project controls, procurement support, engineering coordination, construction management, or related technical operations role.
  • Experience supporting bids, proposals, estimates, or early project planning in construction, controls, building automation, electrical, low-voltage, data center, MEP, industrial automation, or similar technical environments preferred.
  • Experience performing quantity surveying and estimating labor, materials, equipment, engineering effort, programming effort, panel build requirements, subcontractor support, or project execution resources preferred.
  • Experience with quantity takeoffs, bills of quantities or schedules of values, vendor and subcontractor quote comparison, bid leveling, value engineering, or basis-of-estimate documentation preferred.
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams such as sales, project management, field operations, engineering, procurement, programming, or fabrication/panel shop teams preferred.
  • Experience using historical cost data, vendor quotes, labor productivity, or operational inputs to support estimating accuracy preferred.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to perform computer-based work for extended periods (6-8 hours/day).
  • Ability to participate in meetings by phone, video, and in person.
  • Ability to read computer screens, technical documents, drawings, specifications, and project information with or without correction.
  • Ability to travel occasionally to Divcon offices, customer meetings, vendor meetings, or project sites based on business needs.
  • Ability to work in a typical office environment with moderate noise levels and occasional interruptions.

Benefits & Total Rewards:
  • Opportunities for Growth
    Hands-on training and career advancement in an exploding data-center industry.
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
    We cover 100% of individual medical premiums and help offset the cost of family coverage.
  • 401K with Employer Match
    Eligible after 90 days, with company matching to help you invest in your future.
  • Disability Coverage
    Both short- and long-term disability insurance provided at no cost to our employees.
  • Flexible PTO
    Take time off when you need it, no accruing time necessary.
  • Field-Based Employee Benefits
    For eligible field-based roles that require travel, Divcon covers all business travel expenses and provides a per diem, phone allowance, tools, and PPE at no cost. Eligible employees also receive paid training and additional reimbursable business expenses.

About Us:
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Divcon delivers fully integrated automation solutions nationwide that optimize performance, energy efficiency, and reliability across HVAC, lighting, power monitoring, and mission-critical systems. Leveraging advanced technologies - including Allen-Bradley PLCs, Ignition SCADA, and Delta DDC systems - we combine deep technical expertise with field-tested execution to deliver precise, scalable, and high-performance solutions.