Construction Estimators
(NOC 2234)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyConstruction estimators analyze costs of and prepare estimates on civil engineering, architectural, structural, electrical, and mechanical construction projects. They work for residential, commercial, and industrial construction companies and major electrical, mechanical and trade contractors, or they may be self-employed. Estimators may specialize in estimating costs for structural, electrical, or mechanical construction projects.
Job Outlook
Good
Read more
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$20.00
Minimum$29.00
Median$70.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$23,810
Minimum$56,955
Median$103,148
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$34.90
Median$54.10
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Construction estimators analyze costs of and prepare estimates on civil engineering, architectural, structural, electrical, and mechanical construction projects. They work for residential, commercial, and industrial construction companies and major electrical, mechanical and trade contractors, or they may be self-employed. Estimators may specialize in estimating costs for structural, electrical, or mechanical construction projects.
Job duties
Construction estimators:
- Prepare estimates of probable costs of materials, labour and equipment for construction projects based on contract bids, quotes, schematic drawings, and specifications.
- 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.
- 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.
Sample job titles
- construction cost consultant
- construction cost estimator
- construction estimator
- contractors estimator
- junior estimator - construction
- professional estimator - construction
- quantity surveyor-estimator
- senior estimator - construction
Skills
- You should enjoy technical work and mathematics, and have an interest in science. A high degree of manual dexterity and mechanical ability may be necessary. You must be precise, analytical, and able to work alone or as part of a team. Good spoken and written communication skills are important. Familiarity with computers is also required. Physical stamina may be required for fieldwork.
Job requirements
- High school is required.
- A three-year college program in civil or construction engineering technology or several years of experience as a qualified tradesperson in a construction trade like plumbing, carpentry or electrical, are required.
- Certification by the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors is usually required.
Other considerations
- Movement to more senior positions in this group like senior estimator or to construction management positions is possible with experience
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$61,181 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$52,570 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$56,732 median annual incomeCape Breton
$52,225 median annual incomeSouthern
$58,732 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Retail trade
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
55-64
45-54
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$58,797 median annual incomeHigh school
$51,695 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$63,282 median annual incomeBachelor
$56,981 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
$54,508 median annual incomeCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Architectural Engineering Technology/Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of architects, engineers and planners engaged in designing and developing buildings, urban complexes, and related systems. They include courses in design testing procedures, building site analysis, model building and computer graphics, engineering drawing, structural systems testing, analysis of prototype mechanical and interior systems, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Carpentry - Pre-apprenticeship College Program
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to lay out, cut, fabricate, erect, install, and repair wooden structures and fixtures, using hand and power tools. They include courses in technical mathematics, framing, construction materials and selection, job estimating, blueprint reading, foundations and roughing-in, finish carpentry techniques, and applicable codes and standards.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Civil Engineering Technology/Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of civil engineers engaged in designing and executing public works projects such as highways, dams, bridges, tunnels and other facilities. They include courses in site analysis, structural testing procedures, field and laboratory testing procedures, plan and specification preparation, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Electrician - Pre-apprenticeship College Program
College or Trades ProgramThese programs preapre students to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair electric apparatus and systems such as residential, commercial, and industrial electric-power wiring; and DC and AC motors, controls, and electrical distribution panels. They include courses in the principles of electronics and electrical systems, wiring, power transmission, safety, industrial and household appliances, job estimation, electrical testing and inspection, and applicable codes and standards.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Plumber - Pre-apprenticeship College Program
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to practice as licensed plumbers by applying technical knowledge and skills to lay out, assemble, install, and maintain piping fixtures and systems for steam, natural gas, oil, hot water, heating, cooling, drainage, lubricating, in home and business environments. They include courses in source determination, water distribution, waster removal, pressure adjustment, basic physics, technical mathematics, blueprint reading, pipe installation, pumps, welding and soldering, plumbing inspection, and applicable codes and standards.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
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