How to become a Construction Estimator

Also called: Building Estimator

Prepares and delivers estimates and cost plans for construction projects up to tender settlement stage.

Main tasks

• Reviews project plans and specifications to understand project requirements, then projects the overall costs of materials, labour and planning of construction
• Conducts site visits to gather information and assess project conditions
• Researches and obtains quotes, then negotiates deals with suppliers and subcontractors
• Collaborates with architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and contractors to clarify project details
• Prepares and presents cost plans to clients and stakeholders, and recommends ways to reduce costs
• Assists in the negotiation and settlement of project tenders

Ways in

• University: Architecture & Built Environment degrees, Offered by 24 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Civil Construction (RII30920); Certificate III in Civil Foundations (RII31220); Certificate IV in Building Project Support (CPC40320); Certificate IV in Civil Construction (RII40720); Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction (RII60620); Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $118,560 a year
• About 84,200 people work in this job group now, and about 96,100 are projected by 2035. (+14.2%)
• Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.

Related jobs

• Architectural Technician
• Building Designer
• Detailer Drafter
• Landscape Designer
• Surveying Technician
• Building Inspector

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Construction Estimator?

Ways in include: Architecture & Built Environment degrees; Certificate III in Civil Construction; Certificate III in Civil Foundations.

How much does a Construction Estimator earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $118,560 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Construction Estimator a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 14% by 2035, from about 84,200 to about 96,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Construction Estimator?

Not always. 39% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Architecture & Built Environment degrees; Certificate III in Civil Construction; Certificate III in Civil Foundations.

Will AI change the work of a Construction Estimator?

Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04