Construction estimators
Career Overview
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
Job Titles
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.
Earnings
Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.
Work Environment
# Workers Employed
3,595% Employed Full Time
72%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).
Career Pathways
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.
Related Careers
Occupational Interests
It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.
For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.
Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:
Education, Training and Skills
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.
Top Skills
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Talking to others to share information effectively.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Understanding how new information could be used to solve current and future problems in making decisions.
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done and accounting for these expenses.
Being able to solve novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings.
Labour Market Statistics
Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.
Employment
Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.
Employment
3,595Employment by Region
| Region | Employment | % Employment of this Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 70 | 1.9% |
| Kootenay | 45 | 1.3% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 2,375 | 66.2% |
| North Coast and Nechako | 30 | 0.8% |
| Northeast | 20 | 0.6% |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 515 | 14.3% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 540 | 15.0% |
Labour Market Outlook
The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.
Forecasted Job Openings (2024-2034)
1,490Forecasted Job Openings
Forecasted Employment Growth Rate
Composition of Job Openings
Job Openings by Region (2024-2034)
| Region | Job Openings | Avg. Annual Employment Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 20 | 1.0% |
| Kootenay | 20 | 1.3% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 1,050 | 1.8% |
| North Coast and Nechako | Not available | Not available |
| Northeast | Not available | Not available |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 230 | 1.3% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 170 | 0.5% |
Industry Highlights
Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.
Forecasted Job Openings by Industry
| Industry | Job Openings (2024-2034) |
|---|---|
| Construction | 1,120 |
| Professional, Scientific and Technical Services | 150 |
| Manufacturing | 90 |
| Wholesale Trade | 50 |
| Retail Trade | 30 |
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.
Resources
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AACE Internationalwww.aacei.org
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Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC)www.asttbc.org
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British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA)www.bccassn.com
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Canadian Home Builders’ Association of British Columbia (CHBA BC)chbabc.org
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Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS)www.ciqs.org
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Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors of British Columbia – Career Opportunitieswww.ciqs-bc.org/british-columbia/english/careers
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Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) of British Columbiawww.icba.bc.ca
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Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)www.rics.org/ca
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SkilledTradesBCskilledtradesbc.ca/