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Senior Estimator Jobs in Rice, MN (NOW HIRING)

Senior Estimator

Sauk Rapids, MN · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Description Rice Companies is looking for a Senior Estimator to join the team at our Sauk Rapids, MN headquarters. The Preconstruction Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive ...

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES We're currently hiring Senior Electrical Estimators across multiple renewable energy business units, including: * Wind * Solar * Battery Energy Storage (BESS) A DAY IN THE LIFE ...

Sr. Estimator - Electrical

Avon, MN · On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES We're currently hiring Senior Electrical Estimators across multiple renewable energy business units, including: * Wind * Solar * Battery Energy Storage (BESS) A DAY IN THE LIFE ...

A DAY IN THE LIFE As a Senior High Voltage Estimator, you'll lead the estimating and procurement process for utility-scale renewable energy projects, developing accurate, competitive cost estimates ...

Sr. Estimator - High Voltage

Avon, MN · On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

A DAY IN THE LIFE As a Senior High Voltage Estimator, you'll lead the estimating and procurement process for utility-scale renewable energy projects, developing accurate, competitive cost estimates ...

Senior Quoting Engineer

Big Lake, MN · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Position Summary Reporting to the VP of Technical Solutions, the Senior Estimating Engineer is responsible for preparing accurate and timely cost estimates and customer quotations for new and ...

Senior Quoting Engineer

Big Lake, MN · On-site

$90 - $115/hr

This is a senior-level individual contributor role with no direct supervisory responsibility. Key ... Prepare detailed cost estimates and quotations for RFQs * Review engineering drawings ...

A DAY IN THE LIFE As a Lead Estimator, you'll serve as a subject matter expert and lead the estimating team through every phase of the procurement and bidding process. Your day will involve ...

Lead Estimator - Solar

Avon, MN · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

A DAY IN THE LIFE As a Lead Estimator, you'll serve as a subject matter expert and lead the estimating team through every phase of the procurement and bidding process. Your day will involve ...

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES We're currently hiring Electrical Estimators across multiple renewable energy business units, including: * Wind * Solar * Battery Energy Storage (BESS) A DAY IN THE LIFE As an ...

Estimator - Electrical

Avon, MN · On-site

$75K - $109K/yr

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES We're currently hiring Electrical Estimators across multiple renewable energy business units, including: * Wind * Solar * Battery Energy Storage (BESS) A DAY IN THE LIFE As an ...

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Senior Estimator information

See Rice, MN salary details

$58.9K

$121.8K

$174.1K

How much do senior estimator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior estimator in Rice, MN is $121,823.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,400.00 and $142,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior estimator?

As a senior estimator, you are in charge of compiling accurate cost estimates for a construction or manufacturing project. Your main job duties involve evaluating the scope of a project and developing a financial summary that stays within the budget and scheduled time frame required. You often work closely with designers and engineers to create these estimates. The primary career qualifications include a bachelor’s degree, usually in construction management, civil engineering, or building science, as well as strong analytical and critical-thinking skills. Most companies provide on-the-job training so that you gain experience while learning about your company’s specific policies.

What does a senior estimator do?

A Senior Estimator is responsible for analyzing project plans, specifications, and related documents to prepare accurate cost estimates for construction or engineering projects. They assess material, labor, and equipment requirements, obtain bids from subcontractors, and evaluate risks to ensure competitive and profitable bids. Senior Estimators often lead a team of junior estimators, coordinate with project managers, and play a key role in decision-making during the bidding process. Their expertise helps companies win contracts and manage project costs effectively.

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

To thrive as a Senior Estimator, you need strong analytical abilities, deep knowledge of construction methods, and several years of relevant estimating experience, often backed by a degree in construction management or engineering. Mastery of estimating software like Bluebeam, ProEst, or Sage Estimating, as well as familiarity with project management systems, is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, negotiation skills, and effective communication help Senior Estimators collaborate with clients, vendors, and internal teams. These competencies are crucial for producing accurate cost projections, reducing risk, and ensuring project profitability.

What are the most common challenges faced by senior estimators when working on large-scale construction projects?

Senior Estimators often face challenges such as managing tight deadlines, ensuring the accuracy of cost projections, and adapting to changes in project scope. Coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including project managers, subcontractors, and suppliers, can add complexity and require strong communication skills. Staying updated with current market prices and industry trends is essential to producing competitive bids, and unforeseen variables like material shortages or regulatory changes can also impact estimates.

What is the difference between Senior Estimator vs Estimator?

AspectSenior EstimatorEstimator
CredentialsTypically requires 5+ years experience, industry certifications (e.g., CCM, CPC), and advanced knowledgeUsually 1-4 years experience, basic industry certifications or none required
Work EnvironmentLeads complex projects, mentors junior staff, and collaborates with senior managementPrepares cost estimates, supports project teams, and performs detailed quantity takeoffs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across construction, engineering, and manufacturing firms for large or complex projectsCommonly employed in similar industries for smaller or less complex projects

The main difference between a Senior Estimator and an Estimator lies in experience, responsibilities, and project complexity. Senior Estimators handle larger, more complex projects, provide mentorship, and have advanced credentials, while Estimators focus on supporting project teams with cost calculations and quantity takeoffs for smaller projects.

How much do senior estimators earn?

Senior estimators typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on industry, location, experience, and certifications. They often have strong skills in cost analysis, project management, and estimating software, which can influence salary levels.

How much do senior estimators make in the US?

Senior estimators in the US typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on industry, experience, and location. They often have strong skills in cost analysis, project management, and estimating software, which can influence salary levels.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Estimator jobs in Rice, MN?

For Senior Estimator jobs in Rice, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Rice, MN are hiring for Senior Estimator jobs?

Cities near Rice, MN with the most Senior Estimator job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Estimator job openings in Rice, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $121,823 per year, or $58.6 per hour.

Senior Estimator

Rice Companies

Sauk Rapids, MN • On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Description
Rice Companies is looking for a Senior Estimator to join the team at our Sauk Rapids, MN headquarters. The Preconstruction Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates throughout the preconstruction process. This role partners closely with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal project teams to develop budgets, analyze project costs, identify risks, and support successful project execution from concept through turnover. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, collaborative, proactive, and capable of balancing analytical thinking with strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Estimating & Cost Analysis
  • Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and final estimates for commercial construction projects.
  • Perform quantity takeoffs and pricing analysis using drawings, specifications, and other project documents.
  • Solicit, review, and level subcontractor and supplier bids.
  • Develop detailed scopes of work and bid packages.
  • Analyze labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
  • Maintain accurate historical cost databases and estimating records.
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities and value engineering solutions.

Preconstruction Support
  • Participate in project planning, budgeting, and scheduling discussions.
  • Collaborate with operations, project management, and field teams during project handoff.
  • Assist with constructability reviews and risk assessments.
  • Support development of preliminary schedules and phasing plans.
  • Review contract documents and identify scope gaps or inconsistencies.

Client & Team Collaboration
  • Build strong working relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams.
  • Participate in client meetings, design reviews, and proposal presentations.
  • Communicate estimate assumptions, clarifications, exclusions, and risks clearly.
  • Support business development efforts by assisting with proposals and presentations.

Process Improvement
  • Continuously improve estimating procedures, templates, and tracking systems.
  • Stay informed on market trends, pricing fluctuations, and industry best practices.
  • Assist in developing and mentoring junior estimating staff when applicable.

Qualifications:
Qualifications include, but are not limited to:
  • 5+ years of relevant experience in a similar sized General Contractor, ideally within a design/ build commercial construction environment. (drafting, material take offs, measuring/calculating square footage, reading blueprints, etc.)
  • Experience with Sage/ Timberline estimating, On-Screen takeoff tools and/ or other industry standard estimating software preferred.
  • Must be able to handle multiple projects concurrently and work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Must be proactive and skilled in detailed follow-up.
  • Flexibility to effectively deal with changing priorities and timelines through analytical problem-solving.
  • A desire for continuous improvement and close collaboration
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills coupled with strong written and oral communication skills are desired. An ability to interact with Clients on a professional and representative manner is a must.

Preferred Experience
  • Experience with negotiated work, conceptual estimating, and GMP development.
  • Knowledge of local subcontractor and supplier markets.
  • Familiarity with BIM/VDC coordination and constructability review processes.
  • Experience in sectors such as office, industrial, warehouse, tenant improvement, or design/build commercial projects.

Core Competencies
  • Attention to Detail
  • Financial & Business Acumen
  • Communication & Collaboration
  • Time Management
  • Critical Thinking
  • Customer Focus
  • Initiative & Accountability
  • Problem Solving

What Success Looks Like
  • Delivers accurate and timely estimates.
  • Builds trust with clients and project teams.
  • Identifies project risks early and proposes solutions.
  • Supports profitable, well-planned project execution.
  • Contributes to a collaborative and high-performing team culture.

Benefits:
With competitive pay, family-forward benefits and a little fun mixed in, Rice Companies works to build a team that's second to none.
  • Medical and Dental Insurance (Select Employee Only Premiums are 100% Company Paid)
  • Life Insurance
  • 401K w/Employer Match
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Career Training and Development

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $80,000 - $115,000 depending on experience.