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Price Estimator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aretum

Price Estimator

Mclean, VA · On-site

Job Summary Prepares accurate cost estimates and pricing models for government contracts by analyzing RFPs, labor categories, indirect rates, and compliance requirements. Collaborates with business ...

Aretum

Price Estimator

Mclean, VA · On-site

Job Summary Prepares accurate cost estimates and pricing models for government contracts by analyzing RFPs, labor categories, indirect rates, and compliance requirements. Collaborates with business ...

Apply Early

Aretum

Price Estimator

Mclean, VA · Hybrid

Job Summary Prepares accurate cost estimates and pricing models for government contracts by analyzing RFPs, labor categories, indirect rates, and compliance requirements. Collaborates with business ...

DBM GLOBAL INC

Estimator

Lindon, UT

Prepare detail oriented and accurate estimates on new projects and estimate prices for any change orders on existing contracts, meeting assigned deadlines. * Prepare "Take-Offs" of steel materials ...

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Price Estimator information

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$35.5K

$83K

$135K

How much do price estimator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for price estimator in the United States is $83,002.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,000.00 and $99,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Price Estimator vs Cost Estimator?

AspectPrice EstimatorCost Estimator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles require certifications in estimating softwareSimilar credentials; often requires certifications in cost analysis or project management
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, manufacturing, or service industriesConstruction, engineering, manufacturing, or project-based industries
Industry UsageUsed across various sectors to determine pricing for products or servicesPrimarily used in construction and engineering to estimate project costs
Comparison FocusFocuses on setting prices for sales or bidsFocuses on calculating overall project costs and budgets

While both roles involve estimating, a Price Estimator primarily determines the selling price or bid amount, whereas a Cost Estimator focuses on calculating the total costs involved in a project. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right role based on their skills and industry needs.

How does a Price Estimator typically collaborate with project managers and suppliers during the bidding process?

As a Price Estimator, you play a central role in the bidding process by working closely with project managers to understand project specifications and timelines. You will frequently communicate with suppliers and subcontractors to gather accurate material and labor costs, ensuring your estimates are current and comprehensive. This collaboration helps create competitive bids and supports project managers in decision-making. Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills are essential, as you’ll often need to clarify requirements and resolve discrepancies to maintain project accuracy and profitability.

What does a Price Estimator do?

A Price Estimator is responsible for calculating the expected costs of products, projects, or services before they are undertaken. They analyze data such as labor, materials, equipment, and time requirements to provide accurate estimates for clients or employers. Their work helps organizations create competitive bids, plan budgets, and ensure profitability. Price Estimators often collaborate with engineers, architects, vendors, and project managers to gather all necessary information. Their expertise is critical in industries like construction, manufacturing, and insurance.

How much do estimators earn?

Price estimators typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Experienced estimators with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually.

Is a cost estimator a good career?

A cost estimator, including those in the role of a price estimator, is a viable career that involves analyzing project costs and preparing detailed estimates. It requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with estimating software; the job often offers steady employment and opportunities for advancement in construction, manufacturing, and engineering industries.

What's the average salary of an estimator?

The average salary of a price estimator varies by industry and experience but typically ranges from $50,000 to $75,000 annually. Experienced estimators with specialized skills or certifications can earn over $100,000. Factors such as location, company size, and project complexity influence compensation.

Are estimators in high demand?

Price estimators are generally in steady demand across industries such as construction, manufacturing, and engineering, especially as projects require accurate cost assessments. The demand for estimators often correlates with economic activity and infrastructure development, and strong skills in cost analysis and industry-specific software can enhance job prospects.

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

To thrive as a Price Estimator, you need strong analytical skills, proficiency in mathematics, and a background in business, finance, or engineering. Familiarity with cost estimating software (such as CostX or RSMeans), spreadsheets, and industry-specific databases is typically required. Excellent attention to detail, communication, and negotiation skills help you deliver accurate estimates and collaborate effectively with clients and team members. These competencies are crucial for producing reliable cost projections, optimizing budgets, and contributing to successful project outcomes.
More about Price Estimator jobs
What job categories do people searching Price Estimator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Price Estimator jobs are:
Price Estimator jobs near you

Price Estimator

Aretum

Mclean, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develops, analyzes, evaluates, coordinates, prepares, and supports cost proposals to government and commercial customers.

  • Prepares and presents pricing and cost estimates to internal teams, customers, and government audit agencies.

  • Ensures adherence to Federal Acquisition Regulations, Truthful Cost or Pricing Data, and company policies and procedures regarding Price Estimating.

Job description

About Aretum
Aretum is a mission-driven organization committed to delivering innovative, technology-enabled solutions to our customers across defense, civilian, and homeland security sectors. Our teams work at the intersection of strategy, technology, and transformation, helping agencies solve their most critical challenges. We believe in investing in our people and creating a culture where collaboration, inclusion, and professional growth are at the forefront.
Job Summary
Prepares accurate cost estimates and pricing models for government contracts by analyzing RFPs, labor categories, indirect rates, and compliance requirements. Collaborates with business development, finance, and program teams to ensure competitive, compliant, and well-documented proposals.
Due to the nature of our work as a federal consulting organization, employees may be expected to handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and must adhere to applicable safeguarding and compliance requirements.
Responsibilities
  • Develops, analyzes, evaluates, coordinates, prepares, and supports cost proposals to government and commercial customers
  • Ensure department compliance and provide interpretation of RFP requirements
  • Interact with personnel and management at all levels
  • Interface and coordinate with other business management personnel on a daily basis
  • Prepare and present pricing delegations to leadership
  • Presents cost estimates to internal teams, customers, and government audit agencies
  • Ensures adherence to Federal Acquisition Regulations, Truthful Cost or Pricing Data, and company policies and procedures regarding Price Estimating
  • Supports audit requests, fact-finding, and negotiations

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or related field
  • 3-7+ years of experience in pricing, estimating, or cost analysis for IT services
  • Develop detailed cost and price estimates, including labor, ODCs, subcontractor costs, and indirect rates
  • Build and maintain pricing models for FFP, T&M/LH, BPA, IDIQ, and task order proposals
  • Translate RFP requirements, SOWs, and staffing plans into compliant pricing structures
  • Collaborate with Technical, Business Development, Capture, Contracts, and Finance teams to validate assumptions and staffing approaches
  • Analyze historical cost data, market benchmarks, and salary surveys to support labor rate development
  • Support Price-to-Win (PTW) strategies by balancing competitiveness with margin objectives
  • Prepare pricing narratives, cost volume inputs, and supporting documentation for proposals
  • Review and validate subcontractor pricing, ensuring consistency with prime pricing assumptions
  • Conduct cost realism and sensitivity analyses as required
  • Ensure pricing compliance with internal policies and applicable customer or regulatory requirements
  • Support proposal reviews and respond to pricing-related clarification questions
  • Understanding of IT labor categories (e.g., developers, engineers, architects, cybersecurity, cloud, DevOps, PMO)
  • Experience pricing FFP and T&M contracts
  • Advanced Excel skills (cost models, formulas, lookups, scenario analysis)
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to meet tight proposal deadlines
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in government contracting (DoD, civilian, or state/local)
  • Familiarity with indirect rate structures (fringe, overhead, G&A)
  • Experience supporting IDIQs, GWACs, and task order pricing
  • Knowledge of pricing compliance standards (e.g., FAR, Truthful Cost or Pricing Data concepts)
  • Experience working with subcontractors and teaming partners
  • Exposure to pricing tools or systems (e.g., Deltek Costpoint, ProPricer, custom pricing tools)

Travel Requirements
This is a Hybrid position; however, occasional travel may be required based on project needs, client meetings, team collaboration events, or training sessions. Travel is expected to be less than 10% and will be communicated in advance whenever possible.
EEO Statement
Aretum is committed to fostering a workplace rooted in excellence, integrity, and equal opportunity for all. We adhere to merit-based hiring practices, ensuring that all employment decisions are made based on qualifications, skills, and ability to perform the job, without preference or consideration of factors unrelated to job performance.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Aretum complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.
We are proud to support our nation's veterans and military families, providing career opportunities that honor their service and experience.
If you require reasonable accommodation during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact hr@aretum.com for assistance.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
U.S. Work Authorization
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position does not offer sponsorship.
Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Training & Development

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