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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Construction estimators work on many types of projects. They might specialize in estimating costs for certain types of projects, such as commercial or institutional. Or they might focus on project components with specific scopes such as mechanical, electrical, or drywall work. Construction estimators prepare estimates throughout the life cycle of a project. Construction life-cycle phases include predevelopment, preconstruction, construction, and post-construction.
In the construction industry, estimators may perform some or all the following duties:
Depending on the procurement model or contract type, the estimator may provide input on design development and early project planning.
Construction estimators work mostly in office environments. They sometimes visit construction sites and may travel to construction sites in remote locations. Most estimators work a standard 40-hour week. However, this may vary with changing market conditions and estimate deadlines.
Estimators work under pressure to meet deadlines, ensure their companies remain competitive, and secure profitable projects. They must be aware of safety requirements and regulations as they apply to estimating project costs and when they spend time onsite.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Construction estimators
2023 OaSIS: 22303.00
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
Construction estimators need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 102 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 26, 2025 and Dec 05, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Prepare estimates of labour and/or material costs | 61 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Liaise, consult and communicate with engineers, architects, owners, contractors and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates | 54 |
| Tasks: Estimate pre-contract costs | 54 |
| Health benefits: Vision care benefits | 54 |
| Tasks: Prepare estimates for general expenses and overheads | 47 |
| Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 46 |
| Attention to detail | 46 |
| Tasks: Read blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine work requirements | 46 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 41 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 40 |
Construction estimators need a combination of related education and experience. For example, they must understand requirements for tender securities and know what questions to ask during the tendering process.
Employers generally prefer applicants who have a related journeyman certificate and a related engineering degree.
Instead of an engineering degree, an applicant may have a post-secondary diploma in construction technology or management, preferably with a specialization in economics.
The more education an applicant has, the fewer years of work experience they may need for an entry-level position.
Employers also may require applicants to have or be working toward voluntary certification.
A candidate who qualifies as a PQS is automatically eligible to receive their Gold Seal Certification.
Individuals with both CEC and PQS designations are fully qualified estimators. The 2 key differences between the CEC and PQS designations include:
Other associations within the construction industry in Canada and abroad award different designations.
The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) awards a Gold Seal Certificate - Construction Estimator designation to qualified applicants. (This is different than the CIQS Gold Seal Certificate.) There are 2 ways to earn the CCA GSC:
AACE International is an internationally recognized certification body. It awards 3 levels of certification (technical, professional, and expertise) to qualified individuals in the cost and management industry.
Some organizations, including the CIQS, have reciprocity agreements with other organizations. These agreements recognize the equivalence between various voluntary paths toward certification.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Some project owners require PQS and CEC certified professionals to complete project budgets, reviews, payment certifications, and other related work.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Construction estimators may work on a salaried or contract basis for:
Experienced estimators may move into management positions or start their own businesses. Construction estimating is a foundation skill required by all construction professionals. It can therefore lead to other career opportunities within the industry.
A skills shortage currently exists in construction. This translates to frequent job openings and competitive pay and benefits throughout the industry.
When the industry slows down, companies tend to keep estimators on to try to procure new work. As conditions improve, companies tend to hire estimators first so they are able to take advantage of new opportunities.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Construction estimators
2016 NOC: 2234
75.5% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $20.00 | $57.69 | $35.09 | $33.17 |
| Overall | $26.00 | $61.06 | $42.38 | $40.80 |
| Top | $29.42 | $80.53 | $49.43 | $46.50 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $88,238 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $90,174 |
| Manufacturing | $76,820 |
| Retail Trade | $68,243 |
AACE International website: web.aacei.org
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Build Force Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Calgary Construction Association website: cgyca.com
Canadian Construction Association’s Gold Seal Certification website: www.goldsealcertification.com
Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) website: ciqs.org
Edmonton Construction Association website: www.edmca.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
