How to hire a Cost Estimator

How to hire a cost estimator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step cost estimator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a cost estimator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new cost estimator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a Cost Estimator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your cost estimator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a cost estimator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine Employee vs Contractor Status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

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   Hiring the perfect cost estimator also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list presents cost estimator salaries for various positions.

   Type Of Cost Estimator	Description	Hourly Rate
   Cost Estimator	Cost estimators collect and analyze data in order to estimate the time, money, materials, and labor required to manufacture a product, construct a building, or provide a service. They generally specialize in a particular product or industry.	$22-49
   Estimator Project Manager	An estimator project manager is responsible for analyzing cost estimates by gathering cost information from suppliers and other third-party vendors. An estimator project manager must have excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills, especially with measurement accuracy and evaluating important project metrics... Show More	$25-49
   Estimating Manager	An estimating manager will oversee the day-to-day activities of the estimating department. Your duties typically include implementing technical estimating procedures and standards and overseeing the project estimator's work... Show More	$29-71

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common Skills:

   • Worksheets
   • Risk Analysis
   • Project Management
   • Cost Analysis
   • PowerPoint
   • DOD
   • Construction Projects
   • Program Management
   • Project Cost
   • Cost Models
   • Cost Proposals
   • CAD
   • Quantity Take-Offs
   • Value Engineering

   Check All Skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage prevailing wage for payroll and prepare and submit bi-weekly certify payroll reports.
   • Assess effectiveness of quotation after 1st run (NPI).
   • Use 3D cad software to design parts and assemblies drawings for production use.
   • Coordinate demolition, construction, plumbing and painting crews, completing the project on time and under budget.
   • Evaluate labor, material, and ODC estimates for compliance with RFP specifications, cost-estimating procedures and government regulations.
   • Prepare elaborate proposals for plumbing, electrical, fire protection, HVAC, architectural and structural plans and specifications.

   More Cost Estimator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the cost estimator job description is a good way to get more applicants. A cost estimator salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a cost estimator in Mississippi may be lower than in Vermont, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level cost estimator. Additionally, a cost estimator with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average cost estimator salary

   $69,727yearly

   $33.52 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level cost estimator salary

   $47,000 yearly salary

   Updated March 31, 2025

   Average cost estimator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. Salary	Hourly Rate
   1	District of Columbia	$87,619	$42
   2	Massachusetts	$87,530	$42
   3	Washington	$80,759	$39
   4	California	$76,882	$37
   5	New York	$76,678	$37
   6	Virginia	$71,578	$34
   7	Maryland	$71,474	$34
   8	New Jersey	$69,843	$34
   9	Pennsylvania	$68,580	$33
   10	Arizona	$67,208	$32
   11	Illinois	$64,779	$31
   12	Hawaii	$62,942	$30
   13	Georgia	$62,150	$30
   14	North Carolina	$60,481	$29
   15	Delaware	$60,268	$29
   16	Texas	$57,675	$28
   17	Florida	$54,572	$26

   Average cost estimator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average Salary	Hourly Rate	Job Openings
   1	Meta	$128,034	$61.55	3
   2	Amazon	$122,189	$58.74	17
   3	Jordan Company	$120,614	$57.99
   4	Williams Sonoma	$116,415	$55.97
   5	Microsoft	$112,288	$53.98	2
   6	Koch Industries	$112,262	$53.97
   7	Cargill	$111,482	$53.60
   8	Riverstone Holdings	$105,863	$50.90
   9	Gordon Brothers	$104,364	$50.17
   10	JK Realty	$101,996	$49.04
   11	ConocoPhillips	$100,587	$48.36
   12	Guidehouse	$96,618	$46.45
   13	Magna International	$93,883	$45.14	3
   14	Meijer	$92,253	$44.35
   15	General Atomics	$91,705	$44.09	6
   16	QuantumScape	$91,058	$43.78
   17	Alstom	$91,031	$43.76	2
   18	Versus Systems	$90,240	$43.38
   19	Honda Lock	$87,573	$42.10
   20	Rolls-Royce	$86,653	$41.66

4. Writing a Cost Estimator Job Description

   A job description for a cost estimator role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a cost estimator job description:

   Cost Estimator job description example

   O'Connor Construction Management, Inc. ( OCMI ) is a full service, independent construction management company with over 39 years' experience in the industry. We have offices in Dallas, Las Vegas, Seattle, Charlotte, Washington D.C., and throughout California, serving a broad range of markets: Federal Government, Infrastructure, Energy, Education, Hospitality, Healthcare, and Commercial/Retail. Our diverse staff includes Construction Managers, Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Estimators, and Scheduling experts.
   
   Please apply to this position if you would like to be added to our database and considered for future Cost Estimator positions that may become available. Do not hesitate to tell us about your desired location, desired experience level (Entry Level, Mid-Career, Senior), or anything else that you would consider interesting future. If an opportunity comes up that matches your interests, we will reach out. All entries will remain strictly confidential.
   
   The successful candidate will demonstrate a broad range of professional cost analysis and cost estimating capabilities on various types of construction projects.
   The Cost Estimator responsibilities include, but not limited to:
   
   Provide leadership of various financial analysis, cost analysis, data gathering, and data analytics. Create cost estimates, studies, analyses, and evaluations, at all levels of project development. Analyze drawings, specifications, proposals, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, and labor estimate for projects that communicate client's project and strategic goals. Solicit subcontractor and/or vendor quotes, and evaluate them for scope and qualifications. Perform quantity take-off in a manner and level of detail consistent with the project goals. Lead meetings with subcontractors to develop complete scopes and discuss strategy. Perform risk and contract management responsibilities, as required on bids. Review total estimate to ensure accuracy and completeness prior to formal quotation. Monitor comparison of estimated costs to actual costs. Input estimate data into appropriate software. Ensure that a quality product is presented to the client through adherence to the company's QA/QC procedures. Communicate effectively through clear and concise means appropriate to the project's goals (verbal, written, and graphics). Actively research, solicit, and develop sources/vendors for compiling and maintaining accuracy of cost information. Investigate and incorporate project constraints into cost analysis. Review contractor and subcontractor change order estimates. Research and promote continuous improvement in developing more efficient estimating methods.
   REQUIREMENTS :
   
   Bachelor's Degree in Construction, Engineering, or Architecture required; or any degree with construction/design-related experience. Minimum of One or more years (1+ years) of successful cost estimating experience for construction/ engineering projects. Already have earned or have the ability to obtain Secret and/or Top Secret Security Clearance
   SKILL SETS Ability to understand and accurately interpret construction documents (drawings, specifications, contracts/general conditions) at all levels of design Experience managing, leading, and mentoring a estimating/cost team Demonstrate excellent team building and teamwork skills Excellent written and verbal skills Must be able to interact well with clients Self-starter and self-directed AACE or ASPE Cost Certification preferred

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5. Post your job

   To find cost estimators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any cost estimators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level cost estimators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your cost estimator job on Zippia to find and recruit cost estimator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting cost estimators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new cost estimator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the cost estimator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new cost estimator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a cost estimator?