Published: Aug 4, 2025 - The Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Estimator prepares detailed cost estimates and proposals by reviewing bid documents, performing take-offs, developing RFIs, and securing accurate pricing from subcontractors and suppliers. This position involves evaluating mechanical project scopes, coordinating with field supervisors and technicians, and identifying specific labor and material requirements in alignment with project specifications. The estimator also assembles professional bid submittals, addresses special project needs, and upholds equal employment opportunity standards.

Tips for HVAC Estimator Skills and Responsibilities on a Resume
1. HVAC Estimator, Precision Mechanical Systems, Greenville, SC
Job Summary:
- Analyze the scope of a proposed heating, ventilation, and air conditioning project.
- Create a detailed estimate of the project'™s cost.
- Consider the cost of labor and materials and describe what is needed for the client's consideration.
- Responsible for hiring subcontractors.
- Purchase materials from suppliers, prepare equipment, and assist with other pre-construction duties.
- Interpret mechanical drawings and specs.
- Assess the scope of work and required estimate contents.
- Prepare HVAC sheet metal and piping take-offs.
Skills on Resume:
- Project Scope Analysis (Hard Skills)
- Cost Estimation (Hard Skills)
- Cost Calculation (Hard Skills)
- Subcontractor Hiring (Soft Skills)
- Material Procurement (Hard Skills)
- Drawing Interpretation (Hard Skills)
- Scope Evaluation (Hard Skills)
- Take-Off Preparation (Hard Skills)
2. HVAC Estimator, Blue Sky Mechanical Services, Peoria, AZ
Job Summary:
- Reviews all bidding documents and establishes a complete understanding of the scope of work being bid.
- Takes off all materials and prices the same, identifies subcontractor involvement, solicits subcontractors and/or manufacturer prices and estimates direct field labor.
- Reviews printouts for any glaring discrepancies, errors and omissions.
- Reviews front sheet with President and/or VP of Estimating and or designated Executive.
- Identify any problems that need clarification, qualification, or exception.
- Prepare and oversee the completion of bid form documents and/or proposal letters.
- Participate in any contract negotiations with the client that involve the scope of work and estimated quantities or values.
- Assist the purchasing agent in procuring the equipment and subcontracted services.
- Ensure that all conditions of the contract documents are identified/accounted for.
Skills on Resume:
- Bid Document Review (Hard Skills)
- Material Take-Off (Hard Skills)
- Discrepancy Check (Hard Skills)
- Executive Review (Soft Skills)
- Issue Identification (Hard Skills)
- Bid Preparation (Hard Skills)
- Contract Negotiation (Soft Skills)
- Procurement Support (Hard Skills)
3. HVAC Estimator, Greenfield Heating & Cooling, Dayton, OH
Job Summary:
- Estimate new and retrofit HVAC projects.
- Responsible for reviews of estimates and proposals.
- Responsible for ensuring that estimates are accurate.
- Work with the Chief Estimator in maintaining a library of estimates based on style and type of job.
- Update and Maintain Bid Calendar.
- Review and analyze HVAC and piping drawings.
- Obtain equipment, subcontractor, and material pricing with an accurate labor estimate for projects.
- Responsible for qualifying bid opportunities based on workloads and core capabilities.
- Ensure the Proposal review process is followed prior to the release of the proposal.
- Manage proposal scope development and bid coordination.
- Attend project site visits and pre-bid meetings.
- Provide estimating support for the sales staff.
- Responsible for attending networking and training events related to sales and estimating.
- Work and thrive in a TEAM environment.
- Perform an onsite evaluation of the facility and equipment identified in the Customer's scope of work and/or assist internal customers with estimating projects, contracts, or proposals.
Skills on Resume:
- HVAC Estimation (Hard Skills)
- Estimate Review (Hard Skills)
- Drawing Analysis (Hard Skills)
- Pricing Acquisition (Hard Skills)
- Bid Qualification (Hard Skills)
- Proposal Review (Hard Skills)
- Sales Support (Soft Skills)
- Teamwork (Soft Skills)
4. HVAC Estimator, Apex Mechanical Contractors, Bismarck, ND
Job Summary:
- Provide support to sales engineers, consulting engineers, contractors, or technical buyers for system and product selection, design and pricing during the design and fulfillment stages.
- Responsible for the timely completion of projects and maintaining owner, engineer and/or contractor satisfaction.
- Assist the sales team with data entry on jobs awarded into the POS systems.
- Take-off and assemble competitive bids from site visits, construction bid documents, including architectural, structural, mechanical drawings and specifications using estimating software.
- Stays current with material costs in order to address escalation during budgeting of long-term projects.
- Assist in maintaining existing estimating databases, obtaining and tracking current commodity material costs, and analyzing and developing pricing trend charts for various materials.
- Develop relationships with represented manufacturers, maintain a competitive advantage and stay abreast of industry trends.
- Communicate with subcontractors and suppliers by obtaining/negotiating prices with vendors for materials and evaluating vendor submittals.
- Responsible for document work by maintaining files for each job, including, but not limited to, internal and external customer correspondence to mitigate project risk.
- Keep an accurate database of prospective projects.
- Responsible for holding job meetings, such as cost reviews.
- Meet deadlines for proposals and other assigned tasks.
- Responsible for the timely completion of the final bid and the preparation of any submittals.
- Simultaneously handles a large and diverse number of projects and issues with tact, cooperation, and persistence.
Skills on Resume:
- Sales Support (Soft Skills)
- Project Completion (Hard Skills)
- Data Entry (Hard Skills)
- Bid Assembly (Hard Skills)
- Cost Tracking (Hard Skills)
- Vendor Communication (Soft Skills)
- Database Maintenance (Hard Skills)
- Multitasking (Soft Skills)
5. HVAC Estimator, Evergreen Climate Solutions, Tacoma, WA
Job Summary:
- Handle the bid from the project invite by submitting the project quote.
- Send project plans and specs to all required vendors for pricing.
- Take off all equipment, sheet metal, refrigeration piping, condensate drains, mechanical piping, and control wiring.
- Responsible for pre-bid job walkthroughs.
- Verify Proposals for accuracy, meeting plans and specifications.
- Bidding assistance for other Project Managers.
- Design, build, and conceptual budgeting.
- Responsible for correspondence with customers and vendors.
Skills on Resume:
- Bid Submission (Hard Skills)
- Vendor Coordination (Soft Skills)
- Equipment Take-Off (Hard Skills)
- Job Walkthroughs (Hard Skills)
- Proposal Verification (Hard Skills)
- Bidding Assistance (Soft Skills)
- Budgeting (Hard Skills)
- Customer Communication (Soft Skills)
6. HVAC Estimator, Metro HVAC Solutions, Des Moines, IA
Job Summary:
- Review bid documents including drawings, specifications, addendums, and clarifications.
- Assist with the completion of bid forms.
- Generate RFI’s when discrepancies are found within the bid documents.
- Complete a detailed material/labor take-off using an electronic estimating system.
- Attend Pre-Bid meetings and bid openings.
- Obtain prices from vendors by specifying material needs, negotiating prices, assembling quotes, and performing competitive comparisons.
- Complete proposals/scope letters.
- Responsible for developing CAD drawings.
- Obtain all submittals, O&M documents, and warranties.
- Negotiate and prepare contract change orders.
- Resolve problems and conflicts in a timely and effective manner.
- Assist in project management with site coordination, purchase orders, and document control.
Skills on Resume:
- Bid Document Review (Hard Skills)
- Bid Form Completion (Hard Skills)
- RFI Generation (Hard Skills)
- Material Take-Off (Hard Skills)
- Vendor Negotiation (Soft Skills)
- Proposal Preparation (Hard Skills)
- CAD Drawing (Hard Skills)
- Conflict Resolution (Soft Skills)
7. HVAC Estimator, Sierra Thermal Services, Reno, NV
Job Summary:
- Coordinate quotes, take-offs, and other information required to determine final bid pricing.
- Identify and distribute bid RFIs.
- Prepare and set up drawing folders for estimations.
- Distribute bid requests to all applicable vendors and subcontractors.
- Participate in project walk-throughs and preconstruction meetings.
- Perform detailed takeoffs for department needs and material purchasing.
- Execute takeoffs from estimating software (Quotesoft).
- Create project proposal details for estimates.
- Complete tasks within timeframes and deadlines.
Skills on Resume:
- Quote Coordination (Soft Skills)
- RFI Distribution (Hard Skills)
- Folder Setup (Hard Skills)
- Vendor Distribution (Soft Skills)
- Project Walkthroughs (Hard Skills)
- Detailed Takeoffs (Hard Skills)
- Proposal Creation (Hard Skills)
- Deadline Management (Soft Skills)
8. HVAC Estimator, Coastal Comfort Engineering, Wilmington, NC
Job Summary:
- Assist lead estimators with pricing and quotes.
- Perform manual takeoffs and labor estimates.
- Perform takeoffs from plan-spec and design/build drawings.
- Prepare bid summaries for review.
- Review value engineering opportunities on projects.
- Participate in project turnover meetings.
- Communicate with vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers regularly.
- Communicate with General contractors in the bidding process.
- Facilitate communications between the field, office and warehouse.
- Review of project specifications.
Skills on Resume:
- Pricing Support (Hard Skills)
- Manual Takeoffs (Hard Skills)
- Drawing Takeoffs (Hard Skills)
- Bid Summaries (Hard Skills)
- Value Engineering (Hard Skills)
- Turnover Meetings (Soft Skills)
- Vendor Communication (Soft Skills)
- Specification Review (Hard Skills)
9. HVAC Estimator, Sun Valley Mechanical, Mesa, AZ
Job Summary:
- Prepare and distribute RFP’s and up-to-date project information as it is received.
- Coordinate subcontractor/vendor requests for all mechanical projects.
- Contact subcontractors and vendors to determine bidding status and due dates.
- Contact subcontractors to track down submittals, COIs, and subcontracts.
- Effectively and efficiently handle subcontractor requests.
- Print hard copy plans and specs, and organize and label efficiently.
- Perform accurate, thorough and timely quantity and labor takeoffs.
- Work on multiple projects concurrently with the ability to multitask.
- Track and update subcontractor information and manage the local vendor database.
- Obtain clarifications on plans and specifications from PMs.
- Build effective relations with subcontractors, suppliers, vendors and the design team that will reflect and support the company's core values that meet or exceed the customer’s expectations.v.
Skills on Resume:
- RFP Distribution (Hard Skills)
- Subcontractor Coordination (Soft Skills)
- Bid Tracking (Hard Skills)
- Submittal Tracking (Hard Skills)
- Plan Organization (Hard Skills)
- Quantity Takeoffs (Hard Skills)
- Multitasking (Soft Skills)
- Relationship Building (Soft Skills)
10. HVAC Estimator, Heartland HVAC Services, Lincoln, NE
Job Summary:
- Prepare accurate and comprehensive take-offs of HVAC products from construction plans and documents.
- Review and understand bid documents, project plans, specifications, and scope of work.
- Responsible for administering the addendum.
- Use estimating software and the manufacturer’s software pricing programs to do the costing of products.
- Learn the manufacturer's equipment selection software.
- Learn and conduct on-screen takeoffs.
- Review and prepare project estimates to support RFP requirements.
- Prepare bid proposals along with necessary bid requirements (i.e., work plans, schedules and bid breakdowns).
- Review project documents and develop take-offs per plans, project specifications, P&IDs, schematics, etc.
- Participate in pre-bid meetings, bid strategy meetings, and post-construction meetings.
- Provide support for Project Management throughout the performance of the project (change orders, questions, scope issues).
- Develop positive relationships with customers, subcontractors, vendors, and fellow employees.
Skills on Resume:
- HVAC Takeoffs (Hard Skills)
- Bid Document Review (Hard Skills)
- Addendum Administration (Hard Skills)
- Software Costing (Hard Skills)
- Equipment Selection (Hard Skills)
- On-Screen Takeoffs (Hard Skills)
- Bid Proposal Prep (Hard Skills)
- Relationship Building (Soft Skills)
11. HVAC Estimator, Alpine Mechanical Services, Spokane, WA
Job Summary:
- Prepare HVAC and plumbing cost estimates for Service projects and maintenance services.
- Provide input to develop the service estimating program with advances in efficiency, detail, and aesthetics.
- Maintain the PM contract and site book database.
- Produce PM contract renewal documents based on the PM renewal schedule.
- Conduct detailed surveys of systems.
- Determine the scope of work needed to create comprehensive service plans for PM.
- Inventory all equipment and materials needed to provide the correct level and frequency of service.
- Review and proofread service plans for accuracy and correct errors.
- Ensure that the final product presented to the client is correct.
- Work with MTech technicians to incorporate plan corrections and top audit plans and make revisions.
Skills on Resume:
- Cost Estimation (Hard Skills)
- Program Development (Hard Skills)
- Database Maintenance (Hard Skills)
- Contract Renewal (Hard Skills)
- System Survey (Hard Skills)
- Scope Determination (Hard Skills)
- Inventory Management (Hard Skills)
- Plan Review (Hard Skills)
12. HVAC Estimator, EcoTemp Mechanical Solutions, Aurora, CO
Job Summary:
- Ensure that the equipment and materials are all correct.
- Assist in sales presentations as a technical resource.
- Ensure that the client fully understands the scope of work recommended.
- Take off mechanical plans and submittals.
- Build budgetary service proposals for Construction and Special Projects clients.
- Maintain a sales database for all outstanding and completed bids.
- Support the total quality effort, identify and respond to the needs of internal and external clients 100% of the time.
- Work within the guidelines of the safety and employee policy.
- Regular and predictable attendance is expected in order to meet the requirements of this position.
Skills on Resume:
- Material Verification (Hard Skills)
- Sales Support (Soft Skills)
- Client Communication (Soft Skills)
- Plan Takeoff (Hard Skills)
- Proposal Building (Hard Skills)
- Sales Database (Hard Skills)
- Quality Support (Soft Skills)
- Policy Compliance (Hard Skills)
13. HVAC Estimator, Heritage Mechanical Group, Roanoke, VA
Job Summary:
- Perform calculations applying HVAC engineering principles, techniques, procedures and criteria.
- Develop test procedures to ensure component and system performance.
- Execute design and other studies, creation of design products (drawings, calculations, and reports.
- Prepare briefings for higher authorities.
- Perform quality assurance reviews of HVAC analyses and other engineering documentation.
- Work independently (with moderate supervision) or on project teams.
- Responsible for client interface at an appropriate level.
- Manage project schedule and technical product development.
Skills on Resume:
- HVAC Calculations (Hard Skills)
- Test Procedure Development (Hard Skills)
- Design Studies (Hard Skills)
- Briefing Preparation (Soft Skills)
- Quality Assurance (Hard Skills)
- Independent Work (Soft Skills)
- Client Interface (Soft Skills)
- Schedule Management (Hard Skills)
14. HVAC Estimator, Pinnacle Climate Control, Mobile, AL
Job Summary:
- Bring up to speed with the takeoff programs that are utilized, along with the overall estimating process from receiving the initial bid request to submitting the final proposal.
- Compile material, equipment, and labor estimates.
- Review bids with management for accuracy.
- Identify mechanical and plumbing scopes of work.
- Perform quantity takeoff for mechanical and plumbing trades.
- Review plans and specifications to ensure that all scope is covered.
- Procure pricing from vendors and subcontractors.
- Coordinate with other team members to develop an estimate for larger projects.
- Ensure estimates are complete, well-organized, and ready for review by the management team.
- Manage all bid changes, alterations, and RFIs.
- Responsible for site visits.
- Maintain base bid documents and organize estimate information.
Skills on Resume:
- Takeoff Program Use (Hard Skills)
- Estimate Compilation (Hard Skills)
- Bid Review (Hard Skills)
- Scope Identification (Hard Skills)
- Quantity Takeoff (Hard Skills)
- Vendor Procurement (Hard Skills)
- Team Coordination (Soft Skills)
- Document Organization (Hard Skills)
15. HVAC Estimator, Summit HVAC and Controls, Fargo, ND
Job Summary:
- Responsible for the estimating of repairs and maintenance on commercial HVAC equipment in a retail and commercial rooftop setting, including the estimating of labor and materials.
- Work with manufacturers and suppliers on parts information, ordering and tracking.
- Interacts with the home office, facility managers, and property managers that represent the customer base, as well as field service technicians.
- Responsible for negotiating the best possible pricing and overseeing HVAC projects.
- Provide technical support and quoting assistance to in-house technicians.
- Utilize DATABASICS software daily.
- Develop new customer relationships.
- Review customer-generated scopes of work.
- Manage all current ongoing projects.
Skills on Resume:
- Repair Estimation (Hard Skills)
- Parts Coordination (Hard Skills)
- Customer Interaction (Soft Skills)
- Project Negotiation (Soft Skills)
- Technical Support (Hard Skills)
- Software Utilization (Hard Skills)
- Relationship Development (Soft Skills)
- Project Management (Hard Skills)
16. HVAC Estimator, NorthStar Mechanical, Duluth, MN
Job Summary:
- Increase revenue and margins of after-service by planning to advance into the marine Retrofit and/or L&M market in Korea.
- Carry out Fire Protection System test and commissioning, retrofit, and L&M work to contribute to improving service sales.
- Support the JCI refrigeration and air conditioning service area under cooperation with JCI Global Marine Service (especially DK).
- Ensure high-quality completion of each project or task as requested by customers.
- Conduct and execute the service engineering job process.
- Responsible for trial, troubleshooting, retrofit, L&M, etc.
- Proactively evaluates problems on the job and initiates action to limit negative outcomes.
- Provide the required additional work for customers.
- Coordinate and present change orders to customers.
- Handle on-site problems promptly.
- Ensure job completion documentation is completed and transition to service is achieved.
- Prepare and provide documentation for the project management file, including correspondence, requests for information and timelines.
Skills on Resume:
- Revenue Planning (Hard Skills)
- System Commissioning (Hard Skills)
- Service Support (Soft Skills)
- Quality Assurance (Hard Skills)
- Service Engineering (Hard Skills)
- Problem Solving (Soft Skills)
- Order Coordination (Soft Skills)
- Document Preparation (Hard Skills)
17. HVAC Estimator, Arrowhead Climate Solutions, Billings, MT
Job Summary:
- Prepare cost estimates and proposals, including thorough review of bid documents, development of RFI’s, completing project take-offs, collecting pricing from subcontractors and suppliers, and accurately identifying labor requirements in accordance with project documentation.
- Develop a proposal in line with the desired project outcome.
- Survey and evaluate mechanical projects for installation.
- Evaluate and handle any special needs for active mechanical projects.
- Coordinate with the field supervisors/technicians for any needed information.
- Assemble and submit professional submittals in a timely manner for bids.
- Promote an equal employment opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodation of otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees.
Skills on Resume:
- Cost Estimation (Hard Skills)
- Proposal Development (Hard Skills)
- Project Survey (Hard Skills)
- Needs Evaluation (Hard Skills)
- Field Coordination (Soft Skills)
- Submittal Preparation (Hard Skills)
- EEO Promotion (Soft Skills)
18. HVAC Estimator, Redwood Mechanical Contractors, Santa Rosa, CA
Job Summary:
- Review HVAC/Plumbing drawings and specifications.
- Understand the scope of HVAC/Plumbing work in order to prepare a proposal.
- Prepare job take-offs of materials and equipment and subcontracted work.
- Prepare estimates and purchase orders in detail for all products.
- Establish and maintain working relationships with vendors and subcontractors.
- Responsible for mechanical room estimating for the new and replacement markets.
- Estimate the cost of customer quotes.
- Check technical details and create reports.
- Responsible for weekly on-site client visits.
Skills on Resume:
- Drawing Review (Hard Skills)
- Scope Understanding (Hard Skills)
- Job Takeoffs (Hard Skills)
- Estimate Preparation (Hard Skills)
- Vendor Relations (Soft Skills)
- Room Estimating (Hard Skills)
- Quote Estimation (Hard Skills)
- Report Creation (Hard Skills)
19. HVAC Estimator, Palmetto Heating & Cooling, Charleston, SC
Job Summary:
- Estimate commercial Mechanical/HVAC projects.
- Understand the scope of work to bid.
- Manage bid pricing from all vendors and subcontractors.
- Delegate project tasks based on staff members' individual strengths, skill sets, and experience levels.
- Track project performance, verifying successful completion of short and long-term goals.
- Meet budgetary objectives and make adjustments to project constraints based on financial analysis.
- Develop comprehensive project plans to be shared with clients as well as staff members.
- Manage estimation and package submission from start to completion.
- Assessment and preparation of tender documentation and packages.
- Evaluate and analyze mechanical services drawings, specifications, and reports.
Skills on Resume:
- HVAC Estimation (Hard Skills)
- Scope Analysis (Hard Skills)
- Bid Management (Hard Skills)
- Task Delegation (Soft Skills)
- Performance Tracking (Hard Skills)
- Budget Management (Hard Skills)
- Project Planning (Hard Skills)
- Tender Preparation (Hard Skills)
20. HVAC Estimator, Central Plains Mechanical, Wichita, KS
Job Summary:
- Responsible for the HVAC Project Manager.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Provide engineering services including equipment selections, troubleshooting assistance, detailed submittal review, and documentation support.
- Provide field technical services including equipment start-ups, warranty support, inspections, and project management on active projects.
- Effectively create and present proposals, including pricing and ordering of equipment.
- Maintain excellent customer relations.
- Self-initiate daily sales and marketing activities in order to drive sales with existing and new clients.
- Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain bids and negotiate on price.
- Develop and propose cost-saving options to assist in winning projects.
- Assist project managers and other team members with price valuation of the project’s equipment.
Skills on Resume:
- Project Management (Hard Skills)
- Engineering Services (Hard Skills)
- Field Services (Hard Skills)
- Proposal Creation (Hard Skills)
- Customer Relations (Soft Skills)
- Sales Activities (Soft Skills)
- Vendor Negotiation (Soft Skills)
- Cost Analysis (Hard Skills)
21. HVAC Estimator, Lakeside Mechanical Contractors, Madison, WI
Job Summary:
- Prepare and manage bids for multi-family residential projects.
- Take-offs and estimation of equipment, labor and materials.
- Obtain and evaluate material, equipment and subcontractor quotes.
- Responsible for writing proposals/bids.
- Manage multiple bids simultaneously and evaluate changes through the bid process.
- Create bids for the Commercial Department.
- Pursue opportunities for the Commercial Department.
- Manage pricing to achieve company goals.
- Achieve monthly Commercial Department quotas.
Skills on Resume:
- Bid Management (Hard Skills)
- Takeoff Estimation (Hard Skills)
- Quote Evaluation (Hard Skills)
- Proposal Writing (Hard Skills)
- Bid Coordination (Hard Skills)
- Commercial Bidding (Hard Skills)
- Opportunity Pursuit (Soft Skills)
- Pricing Management (Hard Skills)