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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 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in establishing and maintaining tendering processes, in setting up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures, and in preparing and maintaining directories of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors
Interest in analyzing information to examine tenders and recommend tender awards, and to prepare economic feasibility studies on changes and adjustments to cost estimates
Interest in negotiating contracts; and in managing and co-ordinating construction projects and preparing construction progress schedules
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
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 Apr 28, 2023 and Apr 19, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Prepare estimates of labour and/or material costs | 89 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Prepare and maintain directory of supplies and trade contractors | 77 |
| Tasks: Prepare estimates for general expenses and overheads | 76 |
| Attention to detail | 73 |
| Tasks: Read and interpret blueprints, maps, drawings and specifications | 67 |
| Tasks: Advise on tendering procedures | 67 |
| Tasks: Estimate pre-contract costs | 66 |
| Tasks: Monitor and adjust contract expenditures | 64 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 63 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 62 |
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.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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: 2019-2023 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.
In the 2234: Construction estimators occupational group, 75.5% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2234: Construction estimators occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 78 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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 2016 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 [pdf] 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 | $47.31 | $34.71 | $34.11 |
| Overall | $25.00 | $62.94 | $43.24 | $43.96 |
| Top | $29.50 | $91.78 | $53.43 | $52.88 |
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 | $91,238 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $93,445 |
| Manufacturing | $67,891 |
| Retail Trade | $73,343 |
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.
