Construction Estimator
Shortage Now
States / territories with a shortage signal
Snapshot
Median salary
A$119,900
Full-time annual
People employed
7,000
Estimated workforce
Shortage signal
Regional shortage (national)
Categories identify where a shortage occurs; they are not a severity score.
What you actually do
Prepares and delivers estimates and cost plans for construction projects up to tender settlement stage.
Alternative titles
Building Estimator
Skills & main tasks
Official main tasks
- Reviews project plans and specifications to understand project requirements, then projects the overall costs of materials, labour and planning of construction
- Conducts site visits to gather information and assess project conditions
- Researches and obtains quotes, then negotiates deals with suppliers and subcontractors
- Collaborates with architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and contractors to clarify project details
- Prepares and presents cost plans to clients and stakeholders, and recommends ways to reduce costs
- Assists in the negotiation and settlement of project tenders
Where people work
State / territory distribution
Highest education
Share of workers
Education & work pattern
Part-time
13%
Female rate
17%
Median age
40
2030 & 2035 employment outlook
to 2030
+8%
6,952 projected jobs
to 2035
+14%
11,940 projected jobs
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OSCA skill level 2
A classification attribute describing the occupation; it is not a personal eligibility or qualification decision.
Official VET pathways
Certificate IV in Building Project Support
Progression pathway
Certificate III in Civil Construction
Progression pathway
Certificate III in Civil Foundations
Progression pathway
Certificate IV in Civil Construction
Progression pathway
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
Transferable skills
Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction
Transferable skills
Real jobs right now
Live signal from SEEK, Indeed & moreCurrent vacancy signal
QLD · May 2026
666
ACT · May 2026
29
VIC · May 2026
417
NT · May 2026
19
SA · May 2026
127
NSW · May 2026
649
Where could this career take you?
Compare state-level shortage signals, salary context, study options and visa information for Construction Estimator.
Regional demand
Largest employment base
#1 Perth - North West
3,340 estimated employed
- 1
Perth - North West
3,340 employed
WA
+6.88%
year on year
- 2
Sydney - Inner South West
2,435 employed
NSW
+0.33%
year on year
- 3
Perth - South West
2,430 employed
WA
+22.67%
year on year
- 4
Gold Coast
2,297 employed
QLD
-8.49%
year on year
- 5
Melbourne - West
2,266 employed
VIC
-4.83%
year on year
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Ranked by current shortage signal and projected employment growth.
Workers in this occupation
8,030
Moved in from another occupation
1,385
Moved to another occupation
675
Recommendation score: shortage = 2 points, no shortage = 1 point, plus 1 point for each 10% of projected growth to 2035.
- 1
5
points
- 2
5
points
- 3
3
points
- 4
3
points
- 5
3
points
Data status
- Classification
- OSCA 312331
- Last updated
- Refresh pending
- Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia OSL · Jobs and Skills Australia DOM · ABS OSCA · OSCA 2024 — Jobs and Skills Australia
Labour-market data coverage
- Shortage signal and drivers: JSA Occupation Shortage List (ANZSCO unit group where applicable).
- Work profile, state distribution and education: JSA Occupation Profiles (ANZSCO mapped).
- Regional employment: JSA NERO, June 2026.
- Career-move observations: JSA DOM, last available 2020–21. Observed Australian worker transitions are not personalised recommendations; many contractors and sole traders are excluded, as are transitions below 10 workers.
- Vacancy signal: JSA Internet Vacancy Index, 3-month average (ANZSCO unit group).
- Employment outlook: JSA employment projections (ANZSCO unit group).
- Training pathways: JSA Training Occupation Pathways.
Data confidence: estimate.