Construction estimators
Career Overview
Construction estimators analyse costs and prepare estimates on civil engineering, architectural, structural, electrical and mechanical construction projects.
They work for residential, commercial and industrial construction companies and major electrical, mechanical and trade contractors, or they may be self-employed.
Job Titles
Duties
In general, construction estimators:
- Estimate costs of materials, labour and equipment for projects based on contract bids, quotes, schematic drawings and specifications
- Establish and maintain the tender process
- Analyze submissions, recommend bidders and negotiate contracts
- Set up and prepare cost and expenditure statements, reports and forecasts for a project
- Prepare and maintain a list of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors
- Consult and communicate with engineers, architects, owners, contractors and subcontractors, and revise estimates based on project cost changes
- May manage and co-ordinate construction projects and prepare progress schedules
- May provide rough cost estimates at the early planning stages of projects
Construction estimators may specialize in 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 spend a large part of their day at construction sites; however, they also work in an office. They typically work a 40-hour week, with overtime during busy periods.
Workers may be exposed to equipment-related hazards, chemicals or toxic materials. Safety precautions and protective equipment are used to reduce risks.
There is a great deal of competition amongst construction estimator companies, so workers must be able handle the stress of meeting deadlines. Failure to meet a deadline can result in the loss of work.
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. This can include senior estimator, chief estimator, project manager, risk manager, manager of pre-construction services or vice-president of construction.
Estimators may specialize in structural, electrical or mechanical construction projects.
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. A degree in either quantity surveying or a related field may be preferred by employers.
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.
Certification indicates a professional standard and can help people find jobs, though it is not mandatory.
There are three main designations, each with its own scope of practice or certification requirements:
- Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS), which is managed by the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS)
- Canadian Construction Estimator Certified (CEC), also managed by the CIQS
- Gold Seal Certification, through the Canadian Construction Association (CCA)
Requirements for certification include a mix of skills, education and experience. See the links above for more information.
Those who are studying to complete their diploma can apply for associate membership in the CIQS, which offers access to education and mentorship for those seeking their professional designation.
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.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Talking to others to share information effectively.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Being able to solve novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings.
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.
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 (2025-2035)
1,400Forecasted Job Openings
Forecasted Employment Growth Rate
Composition of Job Openings
Job Openings by Region (2025-2035)
| Region | Job Openings | Avg. Annual Employment Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 20 | 0.6% |
| Kootenay | 20 | 0.8% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 970 | 1.3% |
| North Coast and Nechako | Not available | Not available |
| Northeast | Not available | Not available |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 200 | 0.6% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 210 | 0.8% |
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 (2025-2035) |
|---|---|
| Construction | 1,030 |
| Professional, Scientific and Technical Services | 140 |
| Manufacturing | 100 |
| Wholesale Trade | 50 |
| Retail Trade | 30 |
Insights from Industry
The construction industry is tied to the economy. Typically, when the economy is booming, construction activity follows. The need to replace retired workers creates additional job openings. When the market is slow, there will be more construction estimators seeking work.
Qualified graduates entering the job market can generally expect opportunities. Industry reports there is a shortage of qualified estimators. Smaller companies need highly trained estimators who can also act as project managers or schedulers.
Those with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDS) and Public Private Partnership (P3) experience are in high demand.
Contractors prefer construction estimators to be employees due to the sensitive nature of cost information.
Resources
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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 – BC Chapterciqs.org/web/web/01-About-Us-Pages/BC-Chapter.aspx
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Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) of British Columbiawww.icba.bc.ca