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Quantity Surveyor

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A quantity surveyor is a professional who manages all costs related to building and civil engineering projects, from initial calculations to final figures. Quantity surveyors aim to minimise the costs of a project while achieving the required standards and quality. The role involves preparing tender and contract documents, measuring and valuing work done on site, and advising on legal and contractual issues. They work with architects, engineers, clients, and contractors to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. Quantity surveyors often split their time between office-based tasks and site visits, and strong numeracy, analytical, and negotiation skills are key to success in this career.

Quantity Surveyor

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a quantity surveyor in the UK ranges from £28,000 for entry-level positions to around £65,000 for experienced professionals. Senior quantity surveyors or those working on large projects can earn upwards of £80,000.

Job Openings

There are approximately 10,000 quantity surveyor positions advertised annually across the UK, reflecting a steady demand in the construction and infrastructure sectors.

Employment Sectors

Quantity surveyors are primarily employed in construction, property development, civil engineering, and consultancy firms.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Construction Cost Consultant

Works with clients and project teams to estimate, monitor and control construction costs throughout a building project.

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Commercial Manager

Oversees the financial and contractual management of construction projects, ensuring profitability and compliance with regulations.

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Project Quantity Surveyor

Manages the costs and contracts for specific construction projects, liaising closely with contractors and clients to keep the project within budget.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Complete GCSEs and A Levels

Achieve at least five GCSEs including Maths and English, followed by A Levels or equivalent qualifications.

GCSEs in Maths and English are essential as they are key requirements for further study. Relevant A Levels such as Maths, Economics, or Geography can be helpful. Alternatively, you may consider a Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment.

Pursue a Degree or Apprenticeship

Study for a degree in Quantity Surveying or a related field, or undertake a degree apprenticeship.

You can choose a university course accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), or a Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship which combines paid work with study. Both routes offer valuable industry experience and knowledge.

Develop Practical Experience

Secure Work Placements or Internships

Gain hands-on experience in the construction industry through placements or internships.

Many degree courses include a placement year or summer internships. Seek opportunities with construction firms, surveying practices, or property consultancies to build practical skills and industry contacts.

Apply for Graduate Roles

Start your career in a junior or graduate quantity surveyor position.

Graduate schemes with large construction companies or consultancy firms provide structured training and the chance to work on real projects under supervision. These roles are a stepping stone to professional accreditation.

Achieve Professional Recognition

Work Towards Chartered Status

Complete the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) to become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor.

After gaining enough experience, typically after two years in a relevant role, you can apply for RICS membership. The APC involves submitting a portfolio and passing an interview to demonstrate your skills and ethics.

Continue Professional Development

Stay up to date with industry trends and regulations by attending courses and training.

CPD is essential for maintaining your chartered status and progressing in your career. Attend seminars, workshops, and training organised by RICS and other professional bodies.

🎯 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.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Quantity Surveyor and a Building Surveyor both work closely with construction projects, focusing on aspects related to the design, cost, and management of buildings. Both professions require a strong understanding of building specifications, regulations, and project costs, making them closely aligned in terms of qualifications and expertise.

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

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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

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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:

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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.

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