22303 – Construction estimators
Lead statement
Construction estimators analyze costs of and prepare estimates on civil engineering, architectural, structural, electrical and mechanical construction projects.
Main duties
- 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.
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is required.
- Completion of a three-year college program in civil or construction engineering technology orseveral 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.
Example job titles
building construction estimator · chief estimator - construction · construction cost consultant · construction cost estimator · cost estimator - construction · electrical estimator - construction · mechanical estimator - construction · trade contractor estimator - construction · junior estimator - construction · plumbing estimator - construction · senior estimator - construction · principal estimator - construction · quantity surveyor - construction · electrical and mechanical quantity surveyor · quantity surveyor-estimator · contractors estimator · professional estimator - construction · professional quantity surveyor · construction estimator · certified construction estimator
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $24.04 | $37.84 | $61.54 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $23.67 | $38.98 | $54.48 |
| Nova Scotia | $34.62 | $39.56 | $53.37 |
| New Brunswick | $22.00 | $33.65 | $48.08 |
| Quebec | $25.00 | $33.50 | $48.00 |
| Ontario | $24.00 | $38.46 | $61.54 |
| Manitoba | $23.55 | $32.50 | $55.29 |
| Saskatchewan | $25.92 | $38.54 | $56.23 |
| Alberta | $28.85 | $40.87 | $88.89 |
| British Columbia | $26.44 | $40.24 | $77.78 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.