Quantity Surveyor

What does a Quantity Surveyor do?

As a Quantity Surveyor you will be responsible for estimating costs, quantities, and project timelines, and providing this information to clients. You will liaise with a variety of other teams and help keep a project on track.

Key Responsibilities

• Liaising with clients to identify their needs
• Estimating quantities, costs and time scales for material and labour
• Preparing tender and contract documents
• Identifying and weighing up commercial risks
• Assigning work to subcontractors
• Valuing completed work, managing budgets and overseeing payments
• Ensuring projects meet legal and quality standards
• Ensuring that clients get value for their money
• Advising on the maintenance costs of specific buildings
• Submitting regular budget reports
• Following building regulations and health and safety
• Working at a client’s business, in an office or on a construction site

How to become a Quantity Surveyor

There are several routes to becoming a Quantity Surveyor. You can gain the qualifications you need by completing a university course or an apprenticeship. If you already have relevant experience you may be able to apply directly to an employer or train on the job. You should explore the options to find out which is the right one for you.

University or Graduate Training Scheme

You could complete an undergraduate degree in quantity surveying or another relevant subject, such as:

• Construction
• Structural engineering
• Civil engineering
• Mathematics
• Geography
• Economics
• Urban or land studies

If you already hold an unrelated first degree you could complete a postgraduate conversion course accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

Postgraduate Qualification via Graduate Trainee Scheme

You could also gain a postgraduate surveying qualification via a graduate trainee scheme with a construction or surveying company. The University College of Estate Management offers postgraduate distance learning courses.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16, and include full employment by your company with at least 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on‑job experience and a college or training provider.

A surveying technician advanced apprenticeship would start you on your career path as a quantity surveyor.

Work Experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You can gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a quantity surveyor. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Skills

• Strong maths knowledge
• Excellent attention to detail
• Analytical thinking skills
• Understanding of engineering science and technology
• Knowledge of building and construction
• Ability to use your initiative

Qualifications

• GCSE 9‑5 including Maths and English, A Levels (or Scottish National 5 A‑C including Maths and English, and A Levels)
• Minimum 2 A Levels at A* (or equivalent)
• Maths and English GCSE A*‑C

Career Pathways

• Graduate Apprenticeship in Construction and Built Environment
• Degree in Quantity Surveying
• HNC in Quantity Surveying
• HND in Quantity Surveying
• Higher Apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying

How much could you earn as a Quantity Surveyor?

The expected salary for a Quantity Surveyor varies with experience.

• Newly trained Quantity Surveyors can start at £33,000
• Experienced Quantity Surveyors can earn up to £90,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, overtime, and completed industry recognised training.

Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Part-time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Construction

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