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Pragya Sharma
11 min read
October 16, 2023
Table of Contents
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Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a technology which is rapidly gaining acceptance in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, for all the right reasons. According to a study by MarketsandMarkets, the BIM market was valued at USD 7.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 15.0 billion by 2028. From streamlining work processes to optimising construction schedules, BIM adoption is a win-win situation for all. The AEC market is witnessing a growth in the demand for BIM professional roles.
The Career Trajectory of a BIM Professional
In comparison to a traditional architecture or engineering career path, BIM proficient roles can be more rewarding. Since BIM is a new-age technology, it offers immense scope for learning and growth. So let’s have a look at the generic career progression of AEC professionals in the field of BIM.
1. BIM Modeller
A BIM Modeller is an entry-level role in BIM that involves the creation of precise 3D models and other technical drawings. A sound understanding of BIM software such as Revit, Naviswork, and Dynamo is essential for excelling in this role.
2. BIM Engineer/ Designer
A BIM Engineer or Designer is a subject-matter expert in the field of engineering or architecture respectively, who works on enhancing project visualisations. They analyse a building based on its design and construction drawings to understand the project’s efficiency.
3. BIM Coordinator
A BIM Coordinator is a mid-level professional who coordinates drawings and reports between various stakeholders in a project. The role demands a professional to have great managerial and quality control skills for 3D models.
4. BIM Manager
A BIM Manager is responsible for efficient implementation of BIM throughout all phases of a project. They oversee the entire project and are responsible for setting up the LOD (Levels of Details or Development).
5. BIM Director
A BIM Director is at the top of the career hierarchy and runs the entire BIM department of a firm or a project. They ensure that a project is aligned with the regulatory requirements and drawings as shared by the designer.
Everything You Must Know About a BIM Coordinator
The role of a BIM Coordinator entails an array of communication and managerial work. Let’s have a detailed look at the work scope, salary, skills, and qualifications, needed to become a BIM coordinator.
1. Who is a BIM Coordinator?
A BIM coordinator, as the name suggests, is a professional who coordinates with various project stakeholders to ensure effective project execution. This person is also responsible for managing drawings and structural data of a project while ensuring the quality of BIM 3D models.
2. What does a BIM Coordinator do?
The work of a BIM Coordinator includes the following:
- Overseeing and managing BIM projects from conception to completion.
- Collaborate with project stakeholders to ensure effective project coordination.
- Ensure that BIM models from different disciplines (architecture, structural, MEP) integrate seamlessly.
- Conduct quality checks on BIM models to verify accuracy and completeness.
- Identify and resolve clashes or conflicts in BIM models.
- Verify if a project complies with all regulatory laws and standards.
3. Skills and Qualifications Needed to Become a BIM Coordinator
To become a BIM Coordinator, professionals need to have a:- Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related field.
- Relevant certifications in BIM software and technologies, such as Revit, Dynamo, or Naviswork.
Additionally, professionals must be skilled in:
- BIM software and processes
- Communication and coordination
- Understanding of building design codes and bylaws
- Organisation and management
- Problem-solving
4. Salary of a BIM Coordinator
The salary of a BIM Coordinator can vary based on factors such as level of expertise, amount of work experience, skills, area of work, company size, etc. However, the average salaries of BIM coordinators across various countries are listed below:
- BIM Coordinator Salary in India
Average annual salary: INR 6,00,000 to 10,00,000
- BIM Coordinator Salary in Australia
Average annual salary: A$81,000 - A$1,00,000
- BIM Coordinator Salary in Dubai
Average annual salary: AED 1,08,000 to 1,80,000
- BIM Coordinator Salary in the United States
Average annual salary: $57,000 to $80,000
- BIM Coordinator Salary in the United Kingdom
Average annual salary: £35,000 - £49,000
| Country | Average Annual Salary | Salary in INR |
| India | INR 6,00,000-10,00,000 | INR 6,00,000-10,00,000 |
| Australia | A$81,000 - A$1,00,000 | INR 48,00,000-53,00,000 |
| Dubai | AED 1,08,000 to 1,80,000 | INR 24,00,000-40,00,000 |
| United States | $57,000 to $80,000 | INR 47,00,000-66,00,000 |
| United Kingdom | £35,000 - £49,000 | INR 35,00,000-49,00,000 |
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What are the Benefits of Becoming a BIM Coordinator?
Making a career as a BIM coordinator can be lucrative as it allows AEC professionals to be future-relevant. Let’s look at the key benefits of becoming a BIM coordinator.
1. Salary Hike
In comparison to an architect or engineer with seven years of work experience, a BIM coordinator can earn 1.5x more. This difference can be even higher in countries such as the UAE and the UK, where BIM adoption has become a mandate for large-scale projects.
2. Career Growth
Assuming the role of a BIM coordinator gives you a competent edge over your peers. It opens newer work avenues for you and provides the opportunity to work with international teams on global projects.
3. Enhanced Work Proficiency
Using BIM makes your work more efficient. It allows you to execute projects with precision and achieve timely completion. BIM helps in creating projects that are structurally stable, energy efficient, and compliant with the local bylaws. This can help you be more efficient at your job.
How to Become a BIM Coordinator?
A BIM coordinator is a mid-level seniority role in the BIM industry. You need at least 7-10 years of work experience to assume the role. Therefore, to become a BIM coordinator, you’ll have to start from the role of a BIM modeller and make your way up the ladder. To start your journey in this direction, you must first begin learning BIM software, tools, and processes. You can do so by enrolling for a postgraduate program in BIM or registering for a BIM coordinator course. You can weigh your options based on your present nature of employment, time availability, career goals, and financial planning.
3 Best Online Courses to Become a BIM Coordinator
If you are planning to make a career in BIM, mentioned below is a list of 3 best online BIM coordinator courses that you can explore.
1. BIM Professional Courses by Novatr
BIM Professional Courses by Novatr are industry-specific BIM specialisation programs each for architects and civil engineers. They offer participants with niche expertise in their specific areas of work. Both courses provide end-to-end knowledge about BIM software and processes with case studies and the opportunity to work on real-time projects. Novatr also offers placement support to participants so that they can bag job opportunities at leading AEC firms.
2. Getting Started as a BIM Coordinator by LinkedIn Learning
This BIM coordinator course by LinkedIn Learning is one of the most comprehensive courses that can help you understand the industry useability of BIM. The course spans 6.5 hours and covers topics such as applying BIM principles to projects, managing and using a BIM execution plan, and practising BIM in workflows. The BIM coordinator course is taught by an industry expert and backed with assignments so that participants can dive deeper into BIM through relevant examples and case studies.
3. Become BIM Coordinator by BIM Corner
Offered by BIM Corner, this online BIM coordinator course teaches its participants a complete knowledge of BIM software and workflows. The course is led by BIM coordination specialists who explain complex topics in a simplified manner. This course offers insights into BIM applications at every step of a project ensuring that learners understand the real-time implementation of the technology.
In Conclusion
BIM is redefining the future of work in the AEC industry to be more collaborative, efficient, and accurate. Therefore, learning BIM can be a crucial first step for you to make a career as a BIM coordinator. To do so, you can start by looking up the internet for free resources on BIM such as video tutorials, presentations, and reports. You can also join communities that actively discuss the potential of BIM for design and construction projects. This will help you get insights into the relevant BIM practices and attain the right mindset to make a career shift to BIM.
If you are thinking of learning BIM, here are two practically relevant BIM coordinator courses by Novatr that you can check out:
Explore the courses today!
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