--- title: "Construction Estimator Recruiter in San Diego, CA" description: "Specialized construction estimator recruiting in San Diego. Retained search, AI screening, and deep industry network. Placements $120K–$170K base." url: https://amundsongroup.com/construction-estimator-recruiter-san-diego/ published: 2026-06-04 modified: 2026-10-26 publisher: Amundson Group markdown_of: https://amundsongroup.com/construction-estimator-recruiter-san-diego/ --- # Construction Estimator Recruiter in San Diego, CA San Diego’s construction sector is experiencing steady growth driven by commercial redevelopment, multifamily housing demand, and ongoing civil infrastructure projects. Finding a skilled estimator who understands local permitting, labor markets, and the region’s mix of coastal and inland project types is critical, and increasingly competitive. **Hiring for heavy civil, site development, paving, data center, rail, or wastewater work?** Amundson Group is a construction-only recruiter. First qualified resumes in 7 hours. [Send us the role](https://amundsongroup.com/hire-talent/) or call [(832) 558-7982](tel:+18325587982). ## What Amundson Group does for Estimator hiring in San Diego Amundson Group specializes in retained search and direct placement of construction estimators across the United States, with deep expertise in the San Diego market. We work with general contractors, specialty trades, and construction management firms to identify estimators who combine technical accuracy, cost management discipline, and familiarity with local and regional project dynamics. Our process begins with a detailed intake to understand your project mix, team structure, and what makes an estimator successful in your organization. We then conduct a custom AI-assisted screening process to evaluate candidates against both technical skills and cultural fit. Unlike transactional recruiting, our retained model means we invest time in understanding your long-term hiring needs and sourcing candidates who are actively ready to move or passively open to the right opportunity. In San Diego, construction estimators typically earn between $120,000 and $170,000 in base salary, depending on experience, firm size, and project scope. Senior estimators with a track record on large commercial or multifamily portfolios often command the higher end of that range, while those earlier in their careers or specializing in lighter commercial or service work may land in the $110K to $140K band. Our [quarterly Salary Guide](https://amundsongroup.com/salary-guide/) reflects real placement data and is updated as market conditions shift. ## San Diego’s construction market, what’s driving demand for Estimators San Diego’s construction market is diverse and resilient. The region attracts significant multifamily development, driven by population growth and limited housing supply. Commercial real estate, office, hospitality, and mixed-use projects, continues to evolve, particularly in central urban areas and emerging submarkets. Civil and heavy highway work is supported by ongoing state and federal infrastructure investment, while industrial and manufacturing sectors add further depth to the labor demand. This variety means estimators in San Diego need versatility. A single firm might bid on residential podium construction, tenant improvement packages, site development, or industrial upgrades within a single quarter. The cost of labor, materials, and equipment in Southern California also demands estimators who understand premium pricing and can manage tight margins in a high-cost region. The scarcity of experienced estimators who have run projects in San Diego’s regulatory and labor environment, including CEQA review, prevailing wage compliance, and union agreements, makes recruitment a strategic priority for growing firms. Turnover in estimating roles, promotions to project management, and retirement of veteran estimators have tightened the talent pool. ## Estimator salary in San Diego (2026) As of 2026, construction estimators in San Diego typically earn $120,000 to $170,000 in base salary. This range reflects a mid-level to senior estimator with 5-12 years of experience, familiarity with estimating software (Bluebeam, ProEst, Buildots, or similar), and a history of managing takeoffs and bids on $5M to $50M+ projects. Entry-level estimators or those transitioning from project engineering roles may start near $100,000 to $130,000, while lead or senior estimators at larger firms, especially those managing multiple project types or supervising junior estimators, can exceed $170,000 and approach $200,000 with bonuses and profit-sharing. For a more detailed breakdown by role and market, see our [Salary Guide](https://amundsongroup.com/salary-guide/), which is updated each quarter based on actual placement agreements. ## Why San Diego construction companies work with Amundson Group Amundson Group’s recruiting model is built on speed and expertise. Rather than relying on job boards or generalist recruiters, we maintain a long-term referral network of construction professionals across the country, including many in San Diego and the broader Southwest. When a client needs an estimator, we reach into that network first, then deploy our AI-assisted screening to evaluate candidates quickly and fairly against the specific role requirements. We specialize exclusively in construction and infrastructure recruiting. Our team understands the difference between a takeoff specialist and a full-cycle estimator, the value of prevailing wage experience, and why a candidate’s last three projects matter more than a generic resume. We also move fast; retained searches often produce candidates within two to three weeks, rather than months. Our process is transparent. We provide regular updates, detailed candidate profiles, and honest feedback about market conditions. If a San Diego contractor is competing for talent against larger national firms, we help position the opportunity, the team, and the firm’s growth trajectory so candidates see it as a career move, not just a job change. ## Hire a Construction Estimator in San Diego If you’re building a stronger estimating department or replacing an estimator who has moved on, [contact Amundson Group](https://amundsongroup.com/hire-talent/) to start a retained search. We’ll match your role and culture with candidates who are ready to drive accurate bids and profitable projects. You can also [explore current opportunities](https://amundsongroup.com/jobs/) to see if there’s an immediate fit on our candidate roster. *Related searches: [Construction Assistant Project Manager Recruiter San Diego](https://amundsongroup.com/construction-assistant-project-manager-recruiter-san-diego/) · [Construction Director of Preconstruction Recruiter San Diego, CA](https://amundsongroup.com/construction-director-of-preconstruction-recruiter-san-diego/) · [Construction Estimator Recruiter | Amundson Group 2026](https://amundsongroup.com/construction-estimator-recruiter-2026/)* **Need this hire made? Send us the role.** Amundson Group is a construction-only recruiter based in Houston, placing across the United States: heavy civil, site development, paving, data centers, rail, tunnels, wastewater, and underground utilities. 1,200+ construction placements to date, a 90,000+ professional network, first qualified resumes in 7 hours. Inc. 5000 in 2024 and 2025. Prefer to talk? Call [(832) 558-7982](tel:+18325587982) or use the full form at [amundsongroup.com/hire-talent](https://amundsongroup.com/hire-talent/). Looking for your next role? [See open construction jobs](https://amundsongroup.com/jobs/). --- About Amundson Group: a Houston-headquartered construction recruiting firm placing superintendents, project managers, estimators, foremen and skilled trades with contractors across the United States in heavy civil, site development, paving, data center, rail, tunnels, wastewater and underground utilities. 1,200+ construction placements to date, a network of 90,000+ construction professionals, 250+ companies served, the first qualified resume in about 7 hours and a shortlist in 7 days. Veteran owned, founded in January 2020 by Alex Mowbray, Inc. 5000 honoree in 2024 and 2025, SIA Best Staffing Firms to Work For 2023 and 2024, rated 4.9 on Google. 1336 Brittmoore Rd, Houston, TX 77043. 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