The Senior Estimator will be responsible for developing self-perform estimates for transmission and distribution bids, mainly for substations. The candidate must be a US Citizen or a green card ...
The Senior Estimator will be responsible for developing self-perform estimates for transmission and distribution bids, mainly for substations. The candidate must be a US Citizen or a green card ...
Senior Estimator
Sandy, UT · On-site
$110 - $170/hr
Senior Estimator - Data Centre We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Estimator to join our team, specializing in Data Centre Cost Estimation. This is an exciting opportunity to play ...
Senior Estimator
Sandy, UT · On-site
$110 - $170/hr
Senior Estimator - Data Centre We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Estimator to join our team, specializing in Data Centre Cost Estimation. This is an exciting opportunity to play ...
Senior Estimator
Pittsburgh, PA · On-site
$120K - $150K/yr
What You'll Do as the Senior Estimator: * Lead heavy civil estimates from opportunity identification through final bid submission * Review plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to ...
Senior Estimator
Pittsburgh, PA · On-site
$120K - $150K/yr
What You'll Do as the Senior Estimator: * Lead heavy civil estimates from opportunity identification through final bid submission * Review plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to ...
Senior Estimator
Akron, OH · On-site
$120K - $150K/yr
What You'll Do as the Senior Estimator: * Lead heavy civil estimates from opportunity identification through final bid submission * Review plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to ...
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Senior Estimator
Akron, OH · On-site
$120K - $150K/yr
What You'll Do as the Senior Estimator: * Lead heavy civil estimates from opportunity identification through final bid submission * Review plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to ...
Senior Estimator
Cleveland, OH · On-site
$120K - $150K/yr
What You'll Do as the Senior Estimator: * Lead heavy civil estimates from opportunity identification through final bid submission * Review plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to ...
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Senior Estimator
Cleveland, OH · On-site
$120K - $150K/yr
What You'll Do as the Senior Estimator: * Lead heavy civil estimates from opportunity identification through final bid submission * Review plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to ...
Senior Estimator
Hamden, CT · On-site
The Sr. Estimator must possess strong verbal and written communication skills, leadership qualities and organizational skills. This position is also expected to contribute to the training and ...
Senior Estimator
Hamden, CT · On-site
The Sr. Estimator must possess strong verbal and written communication skills, leadership qualities and organizational skills. This position is also expected to contribute to the training and ...
The Senior Estimator will be responsible for leading the preparation of comprehensive cost estimates for steel projects and presenting them to clients, ensuring accuracy and alignment with project ...
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The Senior Estimator will be responsible for leading the preparation of comprehensive cost estimates for steel projects and presenting them to clients, ensuring accuracy and alignment with project ...
Senior Estimator
$160K - $170K/yr
Senior Estimator - Heavy Highway / Site Development (HCSS HeavyBid) Location: Poughkeepsie, NY (In-office) Position Summary: We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead preconstruction and ...
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Senior Estimator
$160K - $170K/yr
Senior Estimator - Heavy Highway / Site Development (HCSS HeavyBid) Location: Poughkeepsie, NY (In-office) Position Summary: We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead preconstruction and ...
Sr Estimator
Plainfield, IL · On-site
$93K - $113K/yr
Overview The Sr. Estimator is responsible for handling estimates with minimal supervision from management. This role reports directly to the Estimating Manager and the employee routinely interacts ...
Sr Estimator
Plainfield, IL · On-site
$93K - $113K/yr
Overview The Sr. Estimator is responsible for handling estimates with minimal supervision from management. This role reports directly to the Estimating Manager and the employee routinely interacts ...
Senior Estimator
Canton, OH · On-site
$120K - $150K/yr
What You'll Do as the Senior Estimator: * Lead heavy civil estimates from opportunity identification through final bid submission * Review plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to ...
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Senior Estimator
Canton, OH · On-site
$120K - $150K/yr
What You'll Do as the Senior Estimator: * Lead heavy civil estimates from opportunity identification through final bid submission * Review plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to ...
Senior Estimator
Baltimore, MD · On-site
$85K - $110K/yr
Senior Estimator TEAM: Planning and Cost Engineering (PACE) REPORTS TO: Vice President - Planning and Cost Engineering FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Salary, Exempt LOCATION: Headquarters (On-Site) ABOUT US At ...
Senior Estimator
Baltimore, MD · On-site
$85K - $110K/yr
Senior Estimator TEAM: Planning and Cost Engineering (PACE) REPORTS TO: Vice President - Planning and Cost Engineering FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Salary, Exempt LOCATION: Headquarters (On-Site) ABOUT US At ...
Senior Estimator
Seattle, WA · On-site
$147K - $187K/yr
Sellen's Senior Estimator leads construction cost estimating during the preconstruction and construction phases of a project. The Senior Estimator will lead target value delivery, including target ...
Senior Estimator
Seattle, WA · On-site
$147K - $187K/yr
Sellen's Senior Estimator leads construction cost estimating during the preconstruction and construction phases of a project. The Senior Estimator will lead target value delivery, including target ...
Senior Estimator
Hamden, CT · On-site
The Sr. Estimator must possess strong verbal and written communication skills, leadership qualities and organizational skills. This position is also expected to contribute to the training and ...
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Senior Estimator
Hamden, CT · On-site
The Sr. Estimator must possess strong verbal and written communication skills, leadership qualities and organizational skills. This position is also expected to contribute to the training and ...
Senior Estimator
Lowellville, OH · On-site
$120K - $150K/yr
What You'll Do as the Senior Estimator: * Lead heavy civil estimates from opportunity identification through final bid submission * Review plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to ...
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Senior Estimator
Lowellville, OH · On-site
$120K - $150K/yr
What You'll Do as the Senior Estimator: * Lead heavy civil estimates from opportunity identification through final bid submission * Review plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to ...
Senior Estimator
$100K - $135K/yr
Apply below or send your resume to rob@zarrellco.com Senior Estimator Location: Columbia, SC Salary: $100,000 - $135,000 base salary (depending on experience) About the Company We are helping an ...
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Senior Estimator
$100K - $135K/yr
Apply below or send your resume to rob@zarrellco.com Senior Estimator Location: Columbia, SC Salary: $100,000 - $135,000 base salary (depending on experience) About the Company We are helping an ...
Senior Estimator
The Woodlands, TX · Remote
The Facilities Senior Estimator is responsible for leading the development of accurate, competitive, and timely cost estimates for facilities-related projects within the energy sector. This role ...
Senior Estimator
The Woodlands, TX · Remote
The Facilities Senior Estimator is responsible for leading the development of accurate, competitive, and timely cost estimates for facilities-related projects within the energy sector. This role ...
Senior Estimator
Gary, IN · On-site
Senior Estimator Gary, IN About Powers & Sons Construction Powers & Sons Construction is a trusted leader in construction management, general contracting, and design-build services, delivering high ...
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Senior Estimator
Gary, IN · On-site
Senior Estimator Gary, IN About Powers & Sons Construction Powers & Sons Construction is a trusted leader in construction management, general contracting, and design-build services, delivering high ...
Senior Estimator
East Peoria, IL · On-site
$105K - $150K/yr
Senior Estimators will have the following duties: * Leading projects of various sizes and complexity from initial review through bidding phase * Prepare conceptual budgets based on minimal ...
Senior Estimator
East Peoria, IL · On-site
$105K - $150K/yr
Senior Estimators will have the following duties: * Leading projects of various sizes and complexity from initial review through bidding phase * Prepare conceptual budgets based on minimal ...
Senior Estimator
$85K - $110K/yr
Senior Estimator TEAM: Planning and Cost Engineering (PACE) REPORTS TO: Vice President - Planning and Cost Engineering FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Salary, Exempt LOCATION: Headquarters (On-Site) ABOUT US At ...
Senior Estimator
$85K - $110K/yr
Senior Estimator TEAM: Planning and Cost Engineering (PACE) REPORTS TO: Vice President - Planning and Cost Engineering FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Salary, Exempt LOCATION: Headquarters (On-Site) ABOUT US At ...
Senior Estimator
Pittsburgh, PA · On-site
$120K - $150K/yr
What You'll Do as the Senior Estimator: * Lead heavy civil estimates from opportunity identification through final bid submission * Review plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to ...
Quick apply
Senior Estimator
Pittsburgh, PA · On-site
$120K - $150K/yr
What You'll Do as the Senior Estimator: * Lead heavy civil estimates from opportunity identification through final bid submission * Review plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to ...
Senior Estimator information
See salary details
$59.5K - $70.1K
3% of jobs
$70.1K - $80.7K
4% of jobs
$80.7K - $91.3K
7% of jobs
$100.9K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$91.3K - $101.9K
11% of jobs
$101.9K - $112.5K
14% of jobs
The median wage is $120.6K / yr.
$112.5K - $123K
14% of jobs
$123K - $133.6K
15% of jobs
$141.1K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$133.6K - $144.2K
10% of jobs
$144.2K - $154.8K
9% of jobs
$154.8K - $165.4K
7% of jobs
$165.4K - $176K
5% of jobs
$59.5K
$123.2K
$176K
How much do senior estimator jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior estimator in the United States is $123,157.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,500.00 and $144,500.00 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 is the difference between Senior Estimator vs Estimator?
| Aspect | Senior Estimator | Estimator |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires 5+ years experience, industry certifications (e.g., CCM, CPC), and advanced knowledge | Usually 1-4 years experience, basic industry certifications or none required |
| Work Environment | Leads complex projects, mentors junior staff, and collaborates with senior management | Prepares cost estimates, supports project teams, and performs detailed quantity takeoffs |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Used across construction, engineering, and manufacturing firms for large or complex projects | Commonly 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 make in the US?
Senior estimators in the US typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, with salaries varying based on industry, experience, and location. They often have strong skills in cost analysis, project management, and estimating software, and may hold certifications such as the Certified Professional Estimator (CPE).
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.
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.
What's the average salary of a senior estimator?
The average salary of a senior estimator typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on industry, location, experience, and certifications. Senior estimators often work in construction, engineering, or manufacturing sectors and may use specialized estimating software.
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.
More about Senior Estimator jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Estimator jobs? Cities with the most Senior Estimator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Estimator jobs? The most popular types of Estimator jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Senior Estimator jobs? The top employers for Senior Estimator jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Estimator jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Estimator jobs include:
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What are popular job titles related to Senior Estimator jobs? For Senior Estimator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Job description
Job Description One Tech Engineering is searching for a Senior Estimator for a position located in Houston, Texas. The Senior Estimator will be responsible for developing self-perform estimates for transmission and distribution bids, mainly for substations. The candidate must be a US Citizen or a green card holder, the position is not eligible for sponsorship.
The candidate should have a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field and 7 years of direct project estimating experience. Local candidates preferred or open to relocation. This is not a remote position.
Senior Estimator Responsibilities: Develop bottoms up estimates for transmission and distribution bids (mainly substations) Focus will be mainly on high voltage scope vs. civil and foundations. Develop estimate schedules to manage workload and ensure timely completion of estimates.
Review RFP and engineering documents. Responsible for detailed documentation of quantity take-offs and constructability analysis. Responsible for the accuracy and validity of estimate assumptions.
Develop high level project schedules (e.g. using Excel). Develop risk registers and assist risk review process
Review commercial terms and conditions and address risk issues. Responsible for compliance with estimating methodology ensuring quality estimates are produced. Lead project team review for estimating quantities and scope of project.
Responsible for reviewing and incorporating quotes for vendors, subcontractors, bonds and insurance. Lead subcontractor solicitation and bid reviews. Review and verify subcontractor bid packages before being transmitted for quotes.
Responsible for reviewing and incorporating specialty and standard equipment and material quotes. Estimate general conditions, indirect costs and review with project management team. Responsible for the review of final estimate and presentation to management.
Make recommendations as to contingency and escalation. Provide estimated hours for required estimating effort and review with Section Manager Review and validate value engineering items, alternates and options. Lead estimating teams for completion of pre-construction services.
Responsible for updating cost history and data base management. Train and mentor staff. All other duties as assigned.
Requirements of the Senior Estimator: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field and 7 years of direct project estimating experience. Applicable experience may be substituted for the degree requirement. Ability to work independently or in groups, think creatively and analytically, and make quick and sound decisions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Expert with Microsoft Office, ConEst and K-base. OSHA 10-hour certification required.
Preferred: 4 years of self-perform substation estimating experience. 8 years of experience with transmission & distribution EPC or construction contractors estimating in the field. Must have extensive knowledge and experience developing estimates and bidding transmission and distribution construction work.