Construction Estimators

(NOC 2234)

in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

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 Outlook

Good

Read more

  • Estimate Strong growth employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 0 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate High rate of unemployment in 2022

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

  • Estimate 3410 employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 5690 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Hourly Pay

$20.00

Minimum

$29.00

Median

$70.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$23,810

Minimum

$56,955

Median

$103,148

Maximum

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Hourly Pay

$18.00

Minimum

$34.90

Median

$54.10

Maximum

Annual Pay

$13,568

Minimum

$60,422

Median

$107,009

Maximum

About 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

595

employed in 2016

93.3%

employed full-time

10.9%

self employed

6.7%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
93.3%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
46.7

median age

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

25,875

employed in 2016

91.5%

employed full-time

7.6%

self employed

20.0%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
80%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
42.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

60.8%

Halifax

$61,181 median annual income
12.5%

Annapolis Valley

$52,570 median annual income
11.7%

North Shore

$56,732 median annual income
9.2%

Cape Breton

$52,225 median annual income
5.8%

Southern

$58,732 median annual income

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

62.0%

Construction

9.3%

Retail trade

8.3%

Manufacturing

5.6%

Wholesale trade

4.6%

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

What is the age of Employment?

25.0%

35-44

22.0%

55-64

21.0%

45-54

20.0%

25-34

9.0%

65+

3.0%

15-24

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

24.2%

25-34

23.5%

45-54

23.4%

35-44

16.4%

55-64

7.7%

15-24

Top levels of education

41.2%

College Diploma

$58,797 median annual income
21.8%

High school

$51,695 median annual income
19.3%

Trade Certification

$63,282 median annual income
7.6%

Bachelor

$56,981 median annual income
5.0%

Diploma Below Bachelor

$54,508 median annual income

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

33.1%

College Diploma

$59,986 median annual income
29.8%

Bachelor

$63,965 median annual income
11.9%

High school

$45,835 median annual income
9.9%

Master

$65,105 median annual income
6.9%

Trade Certification

$57,773 median annual income

Education & training

Architectural Engineering Technology/Technician

College or Trades Program

These 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

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Carpentry - Pre-apprenticeship College Program

College or Trades Program

These 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

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Carpenter Millwright College (CMC) Inc.

Lower Sackville, NS

Civil Engineering Technology/Technician

College or Trades Program

These 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

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Electrician - Pre-apprenticeship College Program

College or Trades Program

These 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

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency

Halifax, NS

Building Trades Advancement College of Nova Scotia

Lakeside, NS

Plumber - Pre-apprenticeship College Program

College or Trades Program

These 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

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Employment requirements & contacts

No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile

Contacts

Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors - Maritimes
Dartmouth, NS

Additional resources

There are no additional resources for this occupation.