Quantity Surveyor

Quantity surveyors oversee construction projects, managing risks and controlling costs.

Typical Salary

£18,000 To £80,000

Typical Hours

37 to 40 a week
evenings / weekends occasionally

How To Become a Quantity Surveyor

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • a graduate training scheme

College / University

You could do a quantity surveying degree or a postgraduate conversion course accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

  • construction
  • structural or civil engineering
  • maths
  • geography
  • economics
  • land studies
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
  • Apprenticeship

    You could take a surveying technician advanced apprenticeship, followed by further training on the job, or a chartered surveyor or construction quantity surveyor degree apprenticeship.

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
  • Routes into this Career

    You could start work as a surveying technician or surveying assistant, and study part time to become a quantity surveyor.


    Other Routes

    You could get a postgraduate surveying qualification through a graduate trainee scheme with a company or through distance learning with the University College of Estate Management.

    Skills And Knowledge

    You'll need:

    • maths knowledge
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
    • analytical thinking skills
    • knowledge of engineering science and technology
    • persistence and determination
    • knowledge of building and construction
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    • the ability to use your initiative
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

    Day To Day Tasks

    Your day-to-day tasks may include:

    • finding out a client's needs and assessing if their plans are feasible
    • working out quantities and costs of materials, time and labour for tenders
    • negotiating contracts and work schedules
    • advising on legal matters, including risks and disputes
    • monitoring sub-contractors and stages of construction
    • writing regular reports on costs and preparing accounts for payment
    • keeping up to date with construction methods and materials
    • following health and safety and building regulations

    Working Environment

    You could work at a client's business or in an office.

    Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

    You may need to wear protective clothing.

    Career Path & Progression

    With experience, you could become a senior quantity surveyor or move into senior project management, supply chain management, consultancy work or self-employment.

    You could specialise in areas like planning, risk assessment or contract disputes.

    Another option is to move into lecturing at a university or college.

    Volunteering Opportunities

    Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

    Tips & Information

    Registration

    Further information

    You can find out more about becoming a quantity surveyor from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Go Construct.

    Restrictions & Requirements

    Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.

    Career tips, advice and guides straight to your inbox.

    Join our newsletter today.