10 of the Most Popular Types of Building Estimator Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Building Estimator jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Building Estimator Jobs

• Estimator

  Salary range: $53,000 - $86,500

  An estimator is a professional, often in the construction trade, whose job it is to deliver an accurate estimate of the cost of work requested by a potential client, usually to bid for a project. Estimators must understand the full scope of the project, as well as the material and labor costs, to provide an accurate estimate of costs. Estimators are good with math, have a sense of the common problems which may arise during a project, and can account for variances in materials and labor costs to provide accurate estimations.

• Entry Level Estimator

  Salary range: $53,000 - $86,500

  Entry Level Estimator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Entry Level Estimator jobs pay between $53,000 (25th percentile) and $86,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Entry Level Estimator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Online Estimator

  Salary range: $53,000 - $86,500

  As an online estimator, you utilize various data sources to determine the cost of materials and labor as well as the time needed to complete a given project. Clients may work in a range of different industries, from auto collision and repair to construction to electrical contracting. As an online estimator, you use the internet to gather information and statistics while working remotely to fulfill your duties. In addition to developing estimates, your responsibilities also include producing reports that detail your data sources and analyses and working with engineers and architects to accurately define the various elements of the project.

• Junior Construction Estimator

  Salary range: $45,500 - $70,000

  Junior Construction Estimator is a typical job search query Most salaries for Junior Construction Estimator jobs pay between $45,500 (25th percentile) and $70,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Junior Construction Estimator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• No Experience Estimator

  Salary range: $62,000 - $99,000

  No Experience Estimator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for No Experience Estimator jobs pay between $62,000 (25th percentile) and $99,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for No Experience Estimator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Part Time Estimator

  Salary range: $62,000 - $99,000

  Part Time Estimator is a typical job search query Most salaries for Part Time Estimator jobs pay between $62,000 (25th percentile) and $99,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for Part Time Estimator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Remote Estimator

  Salary range: $53,000 - $86,500

  Remote estimators determine how much it would cost for labor and materials to complete a project. They most often work in the construction industry, though other sectors, such as manufacturing, also utilize remote estimators. In this role, you discuss the goals of your client, research the expenses related to the project, choose vendors based on the client's budget, and answer any questions your client has about each line item. Remote estimators usually specialize in specific types of products or services. For example, some estimators work for commercial flooring companies while others evaluate contracts for federal contractors. Remote estimators often use their phone, email, and video conferencing systems to communicate with clients and vendors.

• Chief Estimator

  Salary range: $129,000 - $171,000

  A chief estimator is primarily responsible for making financial budgets and estimates to bid on a construction or design project. People in this job take into account many factors when making an estimate. These factors include the cost of building materials, cost of labor, cost of transportation, fees, tariffs, and profit margin. The chief estimator may also use software analysis, or analysis of previous estimates to help them make predictions.

• Work From Home Hvac Estimator

  Salary range: $59,500 - $94,500

  Work From Home Hvac Estimator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Work From Home Hvac Estimator jobs pay between $59,500 (25th percentile) and $94,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for Work From Home Hvac Estimator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Junior Estimator

  Salary range: $45,500 - $70,000

  Junior estimators assist the lead estimator in calculating the costs of materials for a construction project or other type of manufacturing project. As a junior estimator, you prepare initial cost estimates for the required supplies and services, create pricing schedules, develop bid proposals, and assess the technical aspects of the project. You may also help with risk analysis assessments related to the costs of the project.