Technical occupations in civil, mechanical and industrial engineering

How to become a construction estimator

Official title: Construction estimators

Also called: Contractors estimator, Construction estimator, Construction cost estimator, Quantity surveyor-estimator, Construction cost consultant, Cost estimator - construction, Chief estimator - construction, Building construction estimator, Junior estimator - construction, Senior estimator - construction, Certified construction estimator, Quantity surveyor - construction

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.

Main tasks

Prepare estimates of probable costs of materials, labour and equipment for construction projects based on contract bids, quotations, 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
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

How to become one

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.

See the full NOC 2021 profile

Ways in

College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 35% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Civil engineering; Civil engineering technology/technician; Architectural sciences and technology.

Pay · Outlook

Median pay: $73,788 a year The middle half earn $58,091 to $93,600.
About 22,900 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 29,000 are projected by 2033. (+26.6%)
Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.

Questions people ask

How do I become a construction estimator?

How much does a construction estimator earn in Canada?

Median full-time pay is $73,788 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $58,091 to $93,600.

Is a construction estimator a growing career in Canada?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 27% by 2033, from about 22,900 to about 29,000 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).

Do you need a degree to become a construction estimator?

Not always. 25% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.

Sources

Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03