22303
Canada Moderate

Construction estimators

Construction estimators analyze costs of and prepare estimates on civil engineering, architectural, structural, electrical and mechanical construction projects. They are employed by residential, commercial and industrial construction companies and major electrical, mechanical and trade contractors, or they may be self-employed.

Employment Outlooks

Economic Region Outlooks

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Choose up to 3 regions to see employment outlooks. This occupation has data for 72 economic regions.

Salary Information

National wage data for this occupation
Entry-level
CA$24.04
/hr
Typical
CA$37.84
/hr
Experienced
CA$61.54
/hr

Average: CA$41.18/hr

91.0% of workers in this occupation receive non-wage benefits

Source: Job Bank Canada. Wages may vary by region and experience.

Examples

Illustrative Examples
  • chief estimator - construction
  • construction estimator
  • cost estimator - construction
  • principal estimator - construction
  • professional quantity surveyor
  • quantity surveyor - construction
All Examples
  • building construction estimator
  • certified construction estimator
  • chief estimator - construction
  • construction cost consultant
  • construction cost estimator
  • construction estimator
  • contractors estimator
  • cost estimator - construction
  • electrical and mechanical quantity surveyor
  • electrical estimator - construction
  • junior estimator - construction
  • mechanical estimator - construction
  • plumbing estimator - construction
  • principal estimator - construction
  • professional estimator - construction
  • professional quantity surveyor
  • quantity surveyor - construction
  • quantity surveyor-estimator
  • senior estimator - construction
  • trade contractor estimator - construction

Main Duties

Main Duties
  • Prepare estimates of probable costs of materials, labour and equipment for construction projects based on contract bids, quotations, schematic drawings and specifications
  • This group performs some or all of the following duties:
  • Advise on tendering procedures, examine and analyze tenders, recommend tender awards and conduct negotiations
  • Establish and maintain tendering process and set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures
  • Prepare cost and expenditure statements and forecasts at regular intervals for the duration of a project
  • Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors
  • Liaise, consult and communicate with engineers, architects, owners, contractors and subcontractors, and prepare economic feasibility studies on changes and adjustments to cost estimates
  • Manage and coordinate construction projects and prepare construction progress schedules.
  • Estimators may specialize in estimating costs for structural, electrical or mechanical construction projects.

Requirements

Employment Requirements
  • Completion of secondary school is required.
  • Completion of a three-year college program in civil or construction engineering technology or Several years of experience as a qualified tradesperson in a construction trade such as plumbing, carpentry or electrical, are required.
  • Certification by the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors is usually required.

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Data from Statistics Canada (NOC 2021), ESDC Labour Market Information, and Job Bank Canada