Construction Estimator

Construction estimators calculate costs and prepare estimates for civil engineering, architectural, structural, electrical, and mechanical construction projects.

NOC Code: 2234

Job Duties

Construction estimators calculate costs and prepare estimates for civil engineering, architectural, structural, electrical, and mechanical construction projects. You may work for residential, commercial and industrial construction companies or for major electrical, mechanical and trade contractors. You may also be self-employed and provide your services on a contract basis.

Generally, construction estimators:

  • Manage and co-ordinate construction projects.
  • Estimate the cost of materials, labour, and equipment for construction projects from contract bids, quotations, drawings and specifications.
  • Decide how the tendering procedure will work, recommend tenders, and conduct negotiations.
  • Keep track of costs and money spent during a project.
  • Keep a list of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.
  • Work with engineers, architects, owners, contractors and subcontractors.

Source: HRSDC

Job Requirements

Education

This job requires: College or University

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobLevel of Education Required
Architectural Technologist and TechnicianCollege or University
CAD TechnicianCollege or University
Construction ManagerCollege or University
Construction EstimatorCollege or University
Graphic Arts TechnicianCollege or University

Experience

This job requires 0 - 2 years of work experience.

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobYears of Work Experience Required
Architectural Technologist and Technician2 - 5
CAD Technician0 - 2
Construction Manager5+
Construction Estimator0 - 2
Graphic Arts Technician0 - 2

Source: Government of Canada

Essential Skills

As a construction estimator, you need to:

  • Speak, write and read English.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, drawings and specifications.
  • Have a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of construction and construction methods.
  • Have strong planning and organizational skills.
  • Use computer spreadsheets and databases as well as estimating, take-off, and scheduling software.

Source: Government of Canada

Language Skills

You need to communicate in person, on the phone and in writing with the construction team including architects, technicians, contractors, construction workers, and clients.

Labour Market Information

Trends

Now, computer knowledge is commonly required for this career. You need to know how to use estimating, take-off and scheduling software as well as the more traditional spreadsheet and database software.

Employment for construction estimators depends on activity in the construction sector.

Prospects

The work prospects for this job are: GOOD

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobWork Prospects
Architectural Technologist and TechnicianFair
CAD TechnicianFair
Construction ManagerFair
Construction EstimatorGood
Graphic Arts TechnicianFair

Source: Government of Canada

Wages

The average hourly wage for this job is: C$29.33/hour.

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobAverage Wage/Hour
Architectural Technologist and Technician$24.55
CAD Technician$25.00
Construction Manager$33.65
Construction Estimator$29.33
Graphic Arts Technician$18.00

Source: Government of Canada

Retraining

Educational Programs

These links will give you a list of related educational programs or where you can search for them. There may be other schools that have similar programs, such as private career colleges. You may be able to get advanced standing.

Bridging Programs

Here is a list of some bridging programs. These programs can help you assess your education and skills, get practical training or improve your language skills so that you can work in your field.

Language Training

Here is a list of some language training programs, such as Enhanced Language Training (ELT) and Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT).

Work Experience Programs

Some college programs in this field include cooperative (co-op) work experience.

Voluntary Membership Opportunities

Helpful Links

Canadian Construction Association (CCA) Ontario Building Code Information

The data in this profile is provided for informational purposes only. Some of the information may have changed since this profile was written. Please check the source for the most up-to-date information.