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Quantity Surveyor
Construction

How to become a Quantity Surveyor

What does a Quantity Surveyor do?

Like making things happen? You should become a Quantity Surveyor…

A Quantity Surveyor’s job is to manage all costs related to building and civil engineering projects, and making sure their clients get value for money. They also ensure that projects conform to legal regulations, and are up to standard in terms of quality.

Types of projects range from housing and industrial sites, as well as retail, right through to commercial developments, roads, rail, and waterways.

Typical tasks for a Quantity Surveyor include:

  • Carrying out feasibility studies to estimate costs of material, time, and labour
  • Sourcing and purchasing building materials
  • Preparing contracts that include quantities of required materials
  • Creating reports to record ongoing cost analysis of planning and building work
  • Arranging payments to contractors
  • Visiting sites in order to make assessments for future work

Is a career as a Quantity Surveyor right for me?

To be a successful Quantity Surveyor, a good knowledge of all levels of construction, along with a clear understanding of building regulations, is essential.

You must be able to work well as part of a team, meaning good communication skills and the ability to negotiate costs effectively are vital traits for this role. As you’ll be working with numbers for the most part of your job, excellent maths and IT skills are also a must.

Other necessary skills and attributes for a Quantity Surveyor include:

  • Good organisational skills
  • Budget handling skills
  • A technical mind and a methodical approach to work
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Independence

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Career progression and salary expectations for a Quantity Surveyor

1

Junior Quantity Surveyor

| Up to £21,000
2

Quantity Surveyor

| Up to £30,000
3

Senior Quantity Surveyor

| Up to £60,000

Get qualified as a Quantity Surveyor

To become a Quantity Surveyor, you typically need a relevant degree in quantity surveying, construction management, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). In addition to a degree, gaining practical experience through internships, work placements, or entry-level positions in construction-related roles is highly beneficial for aspiring Quantity Surveyors. Continuing professional development (CPD) is also important for staying up-to-date on industry trends, regulations, and best practices. 

Recommended Quantity surveying courses

  • Quantity Surveying Training - Building, Land, Construction Site Planning and Management

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  • Quantity Surveying, Construction Management & Estimation

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    11 QLS Endorsed Topics + CPD Accredited | Level 3 Diploma | Free PDF Certificate | Lifetime Access
    • 53 students
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    • Certificate(s) included
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    Why Choose a Career in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management & Estimation? The construction industry in the UK is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by an increasing demand for residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. According to the Office for Nati …
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What's it like to be a Quantity Surveyor?

"Being a Quantity Surveyor means I get to work with my three favourite things: numbers, people, and construction. The job is varied, and the work I do often differs from project to project. One day I could be visiting sites to assess ongoing work, and the next day I’ll be calculating costs and liaising with Contractors and Project Managers. With deadlines to adhere to, it can be stressful. But when I’m really invested in a project, the outcome makes all the work worthwhile."

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