Construction Estimators

National Occupational Classification (NOC): 22303

Fast Facts

  • Average Pay: N/A
  • Future Growth: N/A
  • Skill Level: N/A
  • Employment Size: N/A
  • Unemployment: N/A
  • Full-time Share: N/A

Sample Job Titles

  • Chief estimator – construction
  • Construction estimator
  • Cost estimator – construction
  • Principal estimator – construction
  • Professional quantity surveyor
  • Quantity surveyor – construction


What do construction estimators do?

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

Construction estimators perform some or all of the following 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.
  • Estimators may specialize in estimating costs for structural, electrical or mechanical construction projects.

Source: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021, Employment and Social Development Canada

 

Construction estimators primarily work in the following subsectors (NAICS) in Newfoundland and Labrador:

  • 238   Specialty trade contractors
  • 236   Construction of buildings
  • 416   Building material and supplies merchant wholesalers

Source: Census 2021, Statistics Canada.

 

Short and Long Term Occupational Projections

Short Term Projections for 2023-2025

An employment outlook is unavailable for this occupation due to low levels of employment in the province.

Source: Job Bank, Government of Canada

 

Long Term Projections for 2023-2032

Construction estimators belong to the broader occupational group 22300, 22303 (Technical occupations in civil engineering). This group is forecast to be tightening (rating of 2.4 out of 4) over the next several years, meaning projected labour supply is expected to meet forecasted job openings.

Source: Department of Finance, Occupation Projections (Summer 2023)

Number of Job Postings in 2023

During 2023, there were 41 public job postings for this occupation, with the following distribution:

Avalon: 85% Western: 5%
Eastern: 0% Labrador: 5%
Central: 2% NL-unspecified: 2%

Source: Lightcast (note: data used in this analysis reflects new unique monthly postings which are totaled for the calendar year).



Who works as construction estimators in Newfoundland and Labrador?

During the reference week of May 2021, there were approximately 195 people working in this occupation in Newfoundland and Labrador. 82% of those employed were Male+ and 15% of those employed were Female+.

Here is the age group breakdown for this group of workers:

15 to 24 25 to 54 55 to 64 65+
0% 69% 15% 15%

Source: Census 2021, Statistics Canada.

How much money do construction estimators make?

Annual Earnings

The median employment income for all construction estimators in the reference year 2020 (245 workers in total, including those working part-time and full-time, as well as part-year and full-year) was $73,500.

Source: Census 2021, Statistics Canada.

 

Hourly Earnings

Salary information for construction estimators in Newfoundland and Labrador is as follows:

Low ($/hour) Median ($/hour) High ($/hour)
Newfoundland and Labrador N/A $38.18 N/A

 

The following low, median, and high wages are for Canada:

Low ($/hour) Median ($/hour) High ($/hour)
$21.00 $33.17 $57.69

Source: Job Bank, Government of Canada

 

Most Frequently Sought Skills from Job Postings (2023)

  • Project Management
  • Construction
  • Subcontracting
  • Procurement
  • Project Estimation
  • AutoCAD
  • Architectural Drawing
  • Quantity Take-Offs
  • Cost Estimation
  • Project Schedules

Source:  Lightcast



What training is required?

  • Completion of secondary school.
  • Completion of a three year college program in civil or construction engineering technology
    or
  • Several years of experience as a qualified tradesperson in a construction trade such as plumbing, carpentry or electrical.
  • Certification by the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors is usually required.
  • Progression to more senior positions in this unit group, such as senior estimator or to construction management positions is possible with experience.

Source: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021, Employment and Social Development Canada

* Find public and private education, training and skills development opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador here.

 

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