Construction estimators calculate costs and prepare estimates for civil engineering, architectural, structural, electrical and mechanical construction projects.

NOC Code: 2234

Job Duties

Construction estimators calculate costs and prepare estimates for civil engineering, architectural, structural, electrical and mechanical construction projects. You may work for residential, commercial and industrial construction companies or for major electrical, mechanical and trade contractors. You may also be self-employed and provide your services on a contract basis.

Generally, construction estimators:

• Manage and co-ordinate construction projects.
• Estimate the cost of materials, labour, and equipment for construction projects, using contract bids, quotations, drawings and specifications.
• Decide how the tendering procedure will work, recommend tenders and conduct negotiations.
• Keep track of the project's costs and budget.
• Work with engineers, architects, owners, contractors and subcontractors.
• May specialize in estimating costs for structural, electrical or mechanical construction projects.

Source: HRSDC

Job Requirements

Education

Experience

Source: Ontario Job Futures [PDF]

Essential Skills

As a construction estimator, you need to:

• Speak, write and read English.
• Have strong planning and organizational skills.
• Have a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of construction and construction methods.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings and specifications.
• Use computer spreadsheets and databases as well as estimating, take-off, and scheduling software.

Source: Ontario Skills Passport

Language Skills

You need to communicate in person, on the phone and in writing with clients, suppliers and team members.  Your team can include architects, engineers, technicians, contractors and construction workers.

Labour Market Information

Trends

Now, computer knowledge is commonly required for this profession. You need to know how to use estimating, take-off and scheduling software as well as traditional spreadsheet and database software.

Employment for construction estimators depends on activity in the construction sector.

Prospects

Source: Ontario Job Futures [PDF]

Wages

Source: HRSDC

Retraining

Educational Programs

These links will give you a list of related educational programs or where you can search for them. There may be other schools that have similar programs, such as private career colleges. You may be able to get advanced standing.

• Related programs at Ontario colleges
• Search for related programs at Canadian universities

Bridging Programs

Here is a list of some bridging programs. These programs can help you assess your education and skills, get practical training or improve your language skills so that you can work in your field.

• Construction Management for Internationally-Trained Immigrants - George Brown College
• Internationally-Educated Engineers Qualification Bridging Program (IEEQBP) - Ryerson University
• Internationally-Trained Civil Engineering Technologists - Algonquin College
• See more bridging programs for construction trades

Language Training

Here is a list of some language training programs, such as Enhanced Language Training (ELT) and Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT).

• Workplace Communication Skills for Construction Trades

Work Experience Programs

Some college and bridging programs in this field include co-operative (co-op) work experience.

Voluntary Membership Opportunities

• Ontario Society of Professional Engineers
• Canadian Society for Civil Engineering
• Ontario Institute of Quantity Surveyors
• Ontario General Contractors Association

Helpful Links

• E-Career Map for Engineers
• Information for Internationally-Trained Engineers
• Working as an Engineer in Canada
• Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO)
• Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT)
  • OACETT Local Chapters
• Canadian Construction Association (CCA)
• Council for Access to the Profession of Engineering (CAPE)
• Engineers Canada
• Ontario Building Code Information

The data in this profile is provided for informational purposes only. Some of the information may have changed since this profile was written. Please check the source for the most up-to-date information.