Construction estimators

About this job

Construction estimators analyse costs and prepare estimates on civil engineering, architectural, structural, electrical and mechanical construction projects. They are employed by residential, commercial and industrial construction companies and by major electrical, mechanical and trade contractors, or they may be self-employed. People in this occupation:

People in this occupation:

need strong math, organization, analytical, writing and communication skills
must have good computer skills due to the use of estimating software and document management programs
should have an interest in planning, decision making, problem solving, working with people, and the financial aspect of construction
must be able to handle stress during busy periods

Common job titles

estimator, contractors / trade contractors
estimator, electrical
estimator, mechanical

estimator, plumbing

estimator, principal
estimator, professional
estimator-surveyor, quantity

surveyor, electrical & mechanical quantity

estimator, contractors / trade contractors
estimator, electrical
estimator, mechanical
estimator, plumbing
estimator, principal
estimator, professional

estimator-surveyor, quantity
surveyor, electrical & mechanical quantity

Earnings

Annual provincial median salary

$70,180

Source: 2020 Job Bank Wage data

Note:Estimated median employment income based on 2020 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))

Provincial hourly rate

High
Median
Low

Source: 2020 Job Bank Wage Report

B.C. Labour Market Outlook (2019-2029)

Provincial outlook

Forecasted average employment growth rate

2019 - 2024
2024 - 2029

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Job openings

10 year expected job openings: 830

2019
2024
2029

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Composition of job openings

New jobs due to economic growth:
17.1%
140 openings

Replacement of retiring workers:
82.9%
680 openings

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Regional outlook

Cariboo

Employment in 2019:

80

Average annual employment growth(%) 2019-2029:

-0.3%

Expected number of job openings 2019-2029:

10

Kootenay

Employment in 2019:

N/A

Average annual employment growth(%) 2019-2029:

N/A

Expected number of job openings 2019-2029:

N/A

Mainland / Southwest

Employment in 2019:

2,300

Average annual employment growth(%) 2019-2029:

0.6%

Expected number of job openings 2019-2029:

600

North Coast & Nechako

Employment in 2019:

30

Average annual employment growth(%) 2019-2029:

0.4%

Expected number of job openings 2019-2029:

0

Northeast

Employment in 2019:

60

Average annual employment growth(%) 2019-2029:

2.8%

Expected number of job openings 2019-2029:

30

Thompson-Okanagan

Employment in 2019:

370

Average annual employment growth(%) 2019-2029:

-0.2%

Expected number of job openings 2019-2029:

70

Vancouver Island / Coast

Employment in 2019:

540

Average annual employment growth(%) 2019-2029:

-0.2%

Expected number of job openings 2019-2029:

110

N/A - Data not available

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Duties

Construction estimators:

estimate costs of materials, labour and equipment for 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 tender process
prepare cost and expenditure statements and forecasts for a project
prepare and maintain a list of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors
liaise, consult and communicate with engineers, architects, owners, contractors and subcontractors, and prepare estimates on changes to cost estimates
may manage and co-ordinate construction projects and prepare progress schedules

Special duties

Estimators may specialize in estimating costs for structural, electrical or mechanical construction projects.

Work environment

Construction estimators typically work a 40 hour week, with overtime during busy periods. These workers spend a large portion of their day at construction sites; however, they also work in an office.

These workers may be exposed to hazards, including equipment-related hazards, chemicals or toxic materials. Safety precautions and protective equipment are worn to reduce risks.

There is a great deal of competition amongst construction estimator companies, so workers must be able to meet strict deadlines. Failure to meet a deadline can result in the loss of a week of work and preparation.

Industry sources report that construction estimators are increasingly required to understand the conceptual and planning stages of projects (i.e. early or conceptual estimates are increasingly required in addition to traditional detailed construction estimates).

Workforce and employment statistics

Workforce characteristics

2,600 workers are employed

68% of workers are working mostly full time

Source: 2016 Census

Employment by gender

Men

Women

Source: 2016 Census

Employment by age group

15 - 24 years

25 - 44 years

45 - 64 years

65+ years

Source: 2016 Census

Labour force by industry

Construction:

70%

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services:

13%

Manufacturing:

8%

Wholesale Trade:

2%

Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction:

1%

View more industry data

Source: 2016 Census

Employment by region

% employment of this occupation

% employment of all occupations

Cariboo

Kootenay

Mainland / Southwest

North Coast & Nechako

Northeast

Thompson-Okanagan

Vancouver Island / Coast

Source: 2016 Census

Job requirements

Education, training & qualifications

Construction estimators are usually required to:

complete a two-year technology diploma in architectural and building engineering or a related discipline
sometimes these workers begin with several years of experience as a qualified tradesperson in a construction trade (e.g. plumbing, carpentry or electrical) and then move into estimating.
Industry sources report that a degree in either quantity surveying or a related field may be preferred by employers

Certification

Certification is beneficial to gain employment in this occupation:

it indicates a professional standard and is based on education, experience and ability to satisfy program requirements
estimator certification is normally pursued after the completion of a diploma, and is available through the Canadian Construction Association's (CCA) Gold Seal Certification Program
individuals may also be required to take a Gold Seal exam

Civil Engineering Technology Diploma

the diploma is nationally accredited by the Canadian Council of Engineering Technicians and Technologists (CTAB) and the Applied Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC)
full-time students in this or another accredited program in the field may apply for student membership in ASTTBC
diploma graduates are eligible for graduate technologists (ASTTBC) membership, and may apply for registration as an applied science technologist after completing a minimum of two years of relevant work experience.
see the ASTTBC website at: http://www.asttbc.org/

Construction Estimator Certified (CEC) designation

individuals with experience and have the appropriate diploma qualifications can also apply for the Construction Estimator Certified (CEC) designation with the Quantity Surveyors of British Columbia (QSBC), a provincial chapter of the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS)
those who are studying to complete their diploma can apply for the Associate Construction Estimator (CE) designation
with the appropriate academic qualifications and experience, and successfully passing the test of professional experience, you can apply for designation as a Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS)
the Canadian Construction Association and the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors have a reciprocity agreement in place whereby a Gold Seal Certified Estimator with the Canadian Construction Association can apply for Construction Estimator Certification status with the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, and vice versa.

Education programs in B.C.

The following program areas are related to this occupation:

Architecture

For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.

Work-related skills

Insights from industry

Most job openings will arise due to retirements.

The Construction industry is tied to the economy. When the economy is booming, typically contstruction activity follows and vice versa.

Qualified graduates entering the job market can expect opportunities. Industry reports there is a shortage of qualified estimators. In particular, smaller companies need highly trained estimators who can also serve as project managers or schedulers.

Individual’s that have experience with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and Public Private Partnerships (P3) will be in higher demand.

Contractors prefer estimators to be employees, due to the sensitive nature of cost information, so a construction boom translates into a demand for estimators employed with companies. When the market is slow, there will be more self-employed construction estimators.

Related careers

Career paths and resources

Career paths

Recent graduates can expect to begin as junior estimators, project coordinators, assistants to project superintendents or other support positions.

With experience, construction estimators can go on to become professional quantity surveyors, and advance to positions that oversee an entire project, such as senior estimator, chief estimator, project manager, risk manager, site supervisor, manager of pre-construction services, or vice-president of construction.

Estimators may specialize in estimating costs for structural, electrical or mechanical construction projects.

Additional resources

AACE International
www.aacei.org
Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC)
www.asttbc.org
British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA)
www.bccassn.com
Canadian Home Builders’ Association of British Columbia (CHBA BC)
chbabc.org
Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS)
www.ciqs.org
Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors of British Columbia – Career Opportunities
www.ciqs-bc.org/british-columbia/english/careers
Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) of British Columbia
www.icba.bc.ca
Industry Training Authority (ITA)
www.itabc.ca
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
www.rics.org/ca

Construction estimators (NOC 2234)

About this job

Earnings

Annual provincial median salary

Provincial hourly rate

B.C. Labour Market Outlook (2019-2029)

Provincial outlook

Forecasted average employment growth rate

Job openings

Composition of job openings

Regional outlook

Duties

Special duties

Work environment

Workforce and employment statistics

Workforce characteristics

Employment by gender

Employment by age group

Labour force by industry

Employment by region

Job requirements

Education, training & qualifications

Education programs in B.C.

Insights from industry

Career paths and resources

Skills of the future

Construction estimators (NOC 2234)

About this job

Earnings

Annual provincial median salary

Provincial hourly rate

B.C. Labour Market Outlook (2019-2029)

Provincial outlook

Forecasted average employment growth rate

Job openings

Composition of job openings

Regional outlook

Duties

Special duties

Work environment

Workforce and employment statistics

Workforce characteristics

Employment by gender

Employment by age group

Labour force by industry

Employment by region

Job requirements

Education, training & qualifications

Education programs in B.C.

Work-related skills

What skills do you need for this career?

Insights from industry

Related careers

Career paths and resources

Estimator and Project Manager

Estimator

Project Coordinator

Skills of the future