NOC 2021 · 22303 · TEER 2
NOC 22303: Construction estimators
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
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.
TEER
TEER 2
Usually needs a college diploma, an apprenticeship of 2 or more years, or supervisory work
Median wage (Canada)
$37.84 / hour
Job Bank, 2023-2024
High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)
Not on the list
No high-wage CRS points
Express Entry categories
Trades
Category-based draws (2026)
Express Entry
How NOC 22303 counts for Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of continuous skilled (TEER 0–3) work in the last 10 years and 67 points on the FSW grid.
- Canadian Experience Class: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of skilled (TEER 0–3) work in Canada in the last 3 years.
- Federal Skilled Trades: not eligibleNeeds 2 years of work in an eligible trade group in the last 5 years, plus a job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
High-wage CRS points
NOC 22303 is not one of IRCC's 186 high-wage occupations, so Canadian work or a job offer in it earns no high-wage points. Your usual Canadian work-length points still count.
See all 186 high-wage occupationsCategory-based draws
- Trades
At least 12 months of full-time work experience (or equal part-time) in the past 3 years in one listed occupation, plus Express Entry eligibility and the round instructions.
IRCC category listsDuties
Main duties
This group performs 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.
For Express Entry, your experience must match the lead statement and most of these duties, not only the job title.
Job titles
Example job titles
- chief estimator - construction
- construction estimator
- cost estimator - construction
- principal estimator - construction
- professional quantity surveyor
- quantity surveyor - construction
All 20 job titles in NOC 22303
- building construction estimator
- certified construction estimator
- chief estimator - construction
- construction cost consultant
- construction cost estimator
- construction estimator
- contractors estimator
- cost estimator - construction
- electrical and mechanical quantity surveyor
- electrical estimator - construction
- junior estimator - construction
- mechanical estimator - construction
- plumbing estimator - construction
- principal estimator - construction
- professional estimator - construction
- professional quantity surveyor
- quantity surveyor - construction
- quantity surveyor-estimator
- senior estimator - construction
- trade contractor estimator - construction
Requirements
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is required.
- 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, are required.
- Certification by the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors is usually required.
Additional information
- Progression to more senior positions in this unit group, such as senior estimator or to construction management positions is possible with experience.
This occupation may be regulated in some provinces. You may need a licence or certificate from the provincial regulator before you can work in it in Canada, even if you hold permanent residence.
Wages
Wages for NOC 22303 in Canada
Low, median and high wages per hour in Canadian dollars, from ESDC Job Bank's 2025 wage data.
| Region | Low | Median | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $24.04 | $37.84 | $61.54 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $23.67 | $38.98 | $54.48 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
| Prince Edward Island | $23.05 | $31.42 | $59.55 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
| Nova Scotia | $34.62 | $39.56 | $53.37 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| New Brunswick | $22.00 | $33.65 | $48.08 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Quebec | $25.00 | $33.50 | $48.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Ontario | $24.00 | $38.46 | $61.54 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Manitoba | $23.55 | $32.50 | $55.29 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Saskatchewan | $25.92 | $38.54 | $56.23 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
| Alberta | $28.85 | $40.87 | $88.89 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| British Columbia | $26.44 | $40.24 | $77.78 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
Provinces with too little data are not shown. Wages vary by city and employer; see Job Bank for regional figures.
Job outlook
Job outlook by province, 2025–2027
Job Bank rates the 3-year outlook as good or very good in Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Alberta.
Very goodSaskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Very good for construction estimators (NOC 22303) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
Here are some key facts about construction estimators in Saskatchewan:
Approximately 550 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Construction estimators mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 74%
Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 6%
81% of construction estimators work all year, while 19% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
18% of construction estimators are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 91% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 9% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 10% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 25% compared to 33% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 32% compared to 15% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 20% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 10% compared to 18% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
GoodNova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Good for construction estimators (NOC 22303) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about construction estimators in Nova Scotia:
Approximately 550 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Construction estimators mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 73%
Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 6%
Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 5%
81% of construction estimators work all year, while 19% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
21% of construction estimators are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 89% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 11% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 10% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 20% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 20% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 32% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 16% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
GoodAlberta
The employment outlook will be Good for construction estimators (NOC 22303) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about construction estimators in Alberta:
Approximately 4,600 people work in this occupation.
Construction estimators mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 68%
Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 8%
74% of construction estimators work all year, while 26% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
15% of construction estimators are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 81% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 19% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 22% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 19% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 28% compared to 19% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 20% compared to 21% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
ModerateNewfoundland and Labrador
The employment outlook will be Moderate for construction estimators (NOC 22303) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about construction estimators in Newfoundland and Labrador:
Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Construction estimators mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 74%
Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 8%
Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 6%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 93% compared to 83% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 7% compared to 17% for all occupations
64% of construction estimators work all year, while 36% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.
11% of construction estimators are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 81% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 19% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 6% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 15% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 17% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 49% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 21% compared to 14% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
ModeratePrince Edward Island
The employment outlook will be Moderate for construction estimators (NOC 22303) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about construction estimators in Prince Edward Island:
Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Construction estimators mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): more than 95%
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 18% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 18% compared to 11% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 36% compared to 25% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 18% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
ModerateNew Brunswick
The employment outlook will be Moderate for construction estimators (NOC 22303) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about construction estimators in New Brunswick:
Approximately 400 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Construction estimators mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 80%
Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 10%
83% of construction estimators work all year, while 17% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
16% of construction estimators are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 90% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 10% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 6% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 24% compared to 30% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 18% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 42% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 8% compared to 16% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
ModerateQuebec
The employment outlook will be Moderate for construction estimators (NOC 22303) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about construction estimators in Quebec:
Approximately 5,350 people work in this occupation.
Construction estimators mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 72%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 93% compared to 82% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 7% compared to 18% for all occupations
63% of construction estimators work all year, while 37% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
11% of construction estimators are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 77% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 23% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 16% compared to 19% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 24% compared to 19% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 38% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 14% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
ModerateOntario
The employment outlook will be Moderate for construction estimators (NOC 22303) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
What Types of Employers Are Out There?
Most employed in the construction industry
A smaller number work in manufacturing, mainly in fabricated metal product facilities
What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?
Construction activity is expected to be favourable across Ontario:
Large infrastructure investments
Steady demand and investments in new housing
What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?
In addition to other education and training, employers often seek candidates with specialized skills in subcontracting, project management and quantity take-offs
Knowledge of the Ontario Building Code is also a common requirement
What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?
There may be more work during the spring and summer months because of greater construction activity.
Here are some key facts about construction estimators in Ontario:
Approximately 8,150 people work in this occupation.
Construction estimators mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 67%
Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 6%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 92% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 8% compared to 19% for all occupations
74% of construction estimators work all year, while 26% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
16% of construction estimators are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 84% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 16% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 19% compared to 25% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 12% compared to 8% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 35% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 22% compared to 24% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 7% compared to 13% for all occupations
ModerateManitoba
The employment outlook will be Moderate for construction estimators (NOC 22303) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about construction estimators in Manitoba:
Approximately 750 people work in this occupation.
Construction estimators mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 61%
Computer, electronic and electrical product manufacturing (NAICS 334-335): 12%
Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 6%
86% of construction estimators work all year, while 14% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
16% of construction estimators are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 91% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 9% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 23% compared to 31% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 30% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 24% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 17% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
LimitedBritish Columbia
The employment outlook will be Limited for construction estimators (NOC 22303) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about construction estimators in British Columbia:
Approximately 2,900 people work in this occupation.
Construction estimators mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 69%
Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 7%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 91% compared to 78% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 9% compared to 22% for all occupations
76% of construction estimators work all year, while 24% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
21% of construction estimators are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 85% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 15% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 21% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 23% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 23% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 21% compared to 22% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 7% compared to 12% for all occupations
UndeterminedNorthwest Territories
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNunavut
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
Source: ESDC Job Bank, 3-year employment outlooks 2025–2027 (released December 2025).
Provinces
Provincial Nominee Programs
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points. Most provinces run occupation-targeted draws or in-demand lists, and some accept TEER 4 and 5 occupations that Express Entry does not.
Provincial lists change often, sometimes between draws. We check whether NOC 22303 is being targeted by any province as part of a consultation.
Similar occupations
Related NOC codes
Classified elsewhere
If your duties fit one of these better, use that code instead.
- 22210 Architectural technologists and technicians
- 22300 Civil engineering technologists and technicians
- 21300 Civil engineers
- 70010 Construction managers
Same occupation group
Technical occupations in civil, mechanical and industrial engineering
- 22300 Civil engineering technologists and technicians
- 22301 Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
- 22302 Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians
Questions
NOC 22303: common questions
What is the NOC code for construction estimators?
What TEER category is NOC 22303?
Is NOC 22303 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 22303 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 22303 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 22303 in Canada?
Classification
Where it sits in NOC 2021
- 2Natural and applied sciences and related occupationsBroad Category
- 22Technical occupations related to natural and applied sciencesMajor Group
- 223Technical occupations related to engineeringSub-major Group
- 2230Technical occupations in civil, mechanical and industrial engineeringMinor Group
- 22303Construction estimators
Enquiry
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Tell us your duties, experience and language scores. We will confirm your NOC code and the Canadian routes that fit.
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0, Job Bank wages (2025), Job Bank outlooks 2025–2027 and IRCC. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Checked 21 October 2026.
NOC 2026 is due from Statistics Canada in December 2026. IRCC still uses NOC 2021 codes, and this page will show any change once IRCC switches.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, IRCC or ESDC.
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