How to Become a Construction Estimator in Canada
If you want to become successful in the construction field, you have to learn how to control the cost and perform the budgeting process. The costing and budgeting process is vital in this field because calculating the cost of construction leads to moving efficiently.
If you don’t plan the budget properly, the entire project will fail, and the entire project is highly dependent upon the budgeting process. Are you curious about the construction estimator course or construction estimator career path?
Well, worry not! Because we are here to guide you about the construction estimator salary, construction estimator jobs, construction estimator certification
In short everything regarding the topic, leading from how to become a construction estimator in Canada to a construction estimator degree to what is a construction estimator!
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Who is a Construction Estimator?
A construction estimator is liable for calculating the entire budget and cost for a construction project. It is a serious job and that is why they have to present accurate and complete estimates and how much it is going to cost during the entire project.
This is done by analyzing the resources which need to be used and whether they are sufficient for moving forward with the project or not.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Construction Estimator
Construction cost estimators are responsible for the following tasks:
1. Preparing estimates of the cost of labor and equipment along with materials and resources
2. Preparing project-based quotations and drawings for the clients
3. Creating and maintaining a relationship with the clients and the construction company
4. Getting involved in the tendering process
5. The setting of the effective management system and procedure for monitoring and reporting to the clients and the construction company
6. Forming and maintaining a directory of all the contractors and suppliers for the construction management company
How to Become a Construction Estimator – Step Guide
There are many ways in which you can become a construction estimator because there are a lot of job opportunities in the construction field to get started. But first of all, you need to make sure that you have enough experience to pursue your career quickly without any problems in the future.
We will tell you how to become a cost estimator in 3 simple steps, and you can follow them easily. Check out the three straightforward steps below.
1. Have a Bachelor’s Degree in Your Field
The first most crucial step to becoming a construction estimator is getting a bachelor’s degree related to your field. It can be a bachelor’s degree in construction management or anything that will be attractive to potential employers.
A bachelor’s degree should be in something that will prove to be valuable when you are working as a cost estimator, and it will help you to perform the budgeting process much more manageable. Many universities and colleges offer bachelor’s degrees in construction law and building codes that can prove to be beneficial for you if you want to work in this field.
Other than a bachelor’s degree in construction, you can also enroll yourself in different types of short courses related to finance and economics. These courses will look excellent on your resume when you apply for an internship or a job.
2. Getting the Job
This step involves getting a job as a cost estimator. This step will come once you are done with your bachelor’s degree and pursuing a career in the construction field. Some people get an internship offer from an educational institution, but some don’t.
Once you get a job in construction, you can gain experience by working under a construction company because they will train you. This way, you will be able to comprehend this position better, and you can implement that later in your career to profit you.
3. Get a Certification
If you want to become a true professional in this field and excel in your career, you will have to get a certification. Getting a professional certification will enable potential employers to understand your skill set and technical skills better.
When the potential employer can understand your skills, they will be interested in hiring you for sure, which can benefit you a lot in your career.
You can get certifications from the American Society of professional estimators, the association for the advancement of cost engineering, and the society of cost estimating and analysis.
Skills Needed to Become a Construction Estimator
You need to have the following skills if you want to become a construction estimator:
- Technical skills
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail
- Time management skills
Frequently Asked Questions:
1-How do I become a construction estimator?
If you want to become a construction estimator, you have to get a bachelor’s degree in your field. The field can be related to construction management, and then you have to gain some experience in your field.
After that, you can apply for an internship and get any initial position in a construction company, and after that, you will be able to get high paying job offers.
2-How long does it take to be a construction estimator?
The time that it takes to be a construction estimator will depend upon the duration of your bachelor’s or master’s degree. It can be a two-year or a four-year degree program, depending upon what you enrolled yourself into.
3-What qualifications do you need to be an estimator?
If you want to become a cost estimator for a construction company, you need to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in construction management or any other related field.
4-Is construction estimating hard?
Yes. Construction estimating can be challenging and challenging depending on the construction company’s project you are working on. It is important to note that many mathematics and geometry are involved when working in this field.
You need to have strong financial and budgeting skills to make cost estimation decisions for the construction company.
5-Do construction estimators make good money?
Yes. Construction estimators make a good amount of money every year, and the job outlook is also very impressive. If you want to have a stable career, then it will be a good career choice for you in the long run for a stable future.
6-Do you need a degree to be a construction estimator?
No. It is not a requirement to have a degree to become a professional construction estimator. However, if you get a degree in the field, there will be more chances that your application will not get rejected, and you will undoubtedly get the job.
Other than that, a degree in your field will always be beneficial for you because it will make you stand out from other candidates applying for the same job in the same company.
Conclusion:
Construction estimators are hard workers, and this job is not very easy. It is a challenging job because much mathematical work and budgeting are involved. It is suggested to move forward in this field if you are good at mathematics and budgeting.
But once you enter this field, you will find out that it is a very lucrative career and there are a lot of job opportunities. Construction estimators has a lot of scope.
After following the steps on “how to become a construction estimator in Canada” that we have mentioned above, you will have a clear idea in your mind about this job.

The Primus Workforce team is proudly built on hands-on industry knowledge and experience.