Techniques for performing channel estimation in a multi-carrier system are described. A frequency response estimate is initially obtained for a wireless channel based on a narrowband pilot sent on different sets of subbands in different symbol periods or a wideband pilot sent on all or most subbands in the system. Spectral estimation is performed on the frequency response estimate to determine at least one frequency component of the frequency channel estimate, with each frequency component being indicative of a delay for a channel tap in an impulse response estimate for the wireless channel. A channel estimate for the wireless channel is then obtained based on the frequency component(s) determined by the spectral estimation. This channel estimate may be a channel profile, the impulse response estimate, an improved frequency response estimate, a signal arrival time, or some other pertinent information regarding the wireless channel.