Creating Career Path...

Finding Further Careers...

Construction

Quantity Surveyor

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

Quantity surveyors play a crucial role in the construction industry, managing the costs and contracts of building projects from start to finish. They ensure that projects are completed within budget while maintaining quality and legal standards. Daily tasks may involve preparing cost estimates, managing tendering processes, negotiating contracts, and monitoring ongoing costs as a project progresses. Quantity surveyors work for construction firms, property developers, or as independent consultants. The role requires strong numeracy, communication, and organisational skills, as well as a good understanding of construction methods and contract law.

Quantity Surveyor

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a quantity surveyor in the UK is between £28,000 and £60,000 per year, with senior professionals earning over £70,000.

Employment Numbers

There are over 50,000 quantity surveyors employed across the UK, with high demand in construction hotspots such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

Job Growth

The demand for quantity surveyors is projected to grow by around 5 percent over the next five years due to ongoing investment in infrastructure and housing.

🚀 Careers in this path

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Construction Cost Consultant

Advises clients on the costs and financial management of construction projects, ensuring value for money and cost control throughout the process.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Building Estimator

Prepares detailed cost estimates for building projects, using drawings and specifications to calculate material, labour, and time requirements.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Contract Administrator

Manages and oversees contracts between builders, clients, and subcontractors, ensuring all parties meet their contractual obligations and project requirements.

Complete Relevant Qualifications

Achieve GCSEs and A levels or Equivalent

Obtain at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 including Maths and English, and relevant A levels such as Maths, Business Studies, or Geography.

Most university degree courses in Quantity Surveying require a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 including Maths and English, as well as two or three A levels. Maths and Business Studies are particularly useful. Alternatively, you can take a Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Construction or Engineering.

Pursue a Degree or Apprenticeship

Apply for a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accredited degree in Quantity Surveying or a related subject, or consider a higher apprenticeship in quantity surveying.

A RICS-accredited undergraduate degree is the most common route. Courses usually last three to four years and often include work placements. Alternatively, higher and degree apprenticeships offer on-the-job training alongside study, allowing you to earn while you learn.

Gain Practical Experience

Undertake Work Placements or Internships

Gain hands-on experience through work placements, summer internships, or part-time roles within construction or surveying firms.

Many degree courses include a year in industry, which provides invaluable practical skills and networking opportunities. Otherwise, seek out internships or shadowing experiences during holidays to build your CV and gain insight into the day-to-day role of a Quantity Surveyor.

Start in a Graduate or Trainee Role

Apply for graduate schemes or trainee surveyor positions with construction or surveying companies after completing your degree or apprenticeship.

Graduate schemes typically provide structured training and support as you work towards professional qualifications. Trainee roles allow you to learn on the job and start building your career from day one.

Achieve Professional Status

Work Towards Chartered Status

Work towards becoming a Chartered Quantity Surveyor by completing the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

To become chartered, you need relevant work experience and must pass the APC, which typically takes around two years. This process involves demonstrating your skills and knowledge in a range of competencies. Chartered status is highly valued and can open up more senior and specialised roles.

Continue Professional Development

Engage in lifelong learning by attending courses, seminars, and keeping up to date with industry changes.

The construction and surveying industries are constantly evolving, with new technologies, regulations, and practices. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential to stay current and advance your career, and is often a requirement for maintaining chartered status.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Quantity Surveyor. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

A Quantity Surveyor and a Building Surveyor often work on related aspects of construction projects, focusing on cost control, project management, and technical assessments of buildings. Both roles require a strong understanding of building techniques and materials, and they frequently collaborate during the design, construction, and maintenance phases of projects.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You'll usually need a degree or professional qualification approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in a subject like:

  • surveying
  • construction
  • civil engineering
  • building engineering

If you graduated in any other subject, you could do a surveying postgraduate conversion course. These usually lead to a master's degree or postgraduate diploma.

Entry requirements vary, so check with individual universities which degrees might be preferred.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do a chartered surveyor degree apprenticeship.

It may be possible to work towards this role by doing a surveying technician apprenticeship. This will teach you some of the skills and knowledge required. You would then need to take further qualifications to gain chartered surveyor status.

RICS has more information on surveying apprenticeships.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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 higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

If you have a relevant foundation degree or higher national diploma and are working, for example as a surveying technician, you may be able to get more qualifications on the job.

Other Routes

You could do a postgraduate surveying qualification through:

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can find out more about careers in surveying through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Building.

Interested in More Career Paths?

Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.

Browse All Careers Generate New Career Path

Stay connected

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases

Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK

Phone
01603 273515

Email
[email protected]

Developing Experts

LessonsAboutResearchReportingPlans & Pricing

Legal

GDPRPrivacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsCookie Policy

Contact Us

Get in touchRequest SubscriptionChildren's CodeAbout UsCareers

Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.