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Quantity Surveyor

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A quantity surveyor is responsible for managing the costs and financial aspects of building and engineering projects. Their main role is to ensure that projects are completed within budget by estimating costs, preparing tender documents, and monitoring spending throughout the construction process. Quantity surveyors work closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and clients to provide advice on costs, contracts, and legal matters. They also help to manage risks, assess the value of work done on site, and prepare reports for clients. Quantity surveyors can work on a variety of projects, including residential, commercial, and civil engineering developments.

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 roles to over £65,000 for experienced professionals.

Employment Numbers

There are over 40,000 quantity surveyors currently employed across the UK, working in both the private and public sectors.

Job Growth

Demand for quantity surveyors is expected to grow by around 7 percent over the next five years, driven by ongoing infrastructure and housing projects.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Construction Cost Consultant

Specialises in advising clients on the costs, value engineering, and budgeting for building projects, ensuring financial efficiency throughout the construction process.

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Contract Administrator

Focuses on managing contracts between clients, contractors and suppliers, including the preparation, negotiation, and monitoring of contract terms for construction projects.

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Commercial Manager in Construction

Oversees the commercial aspects of construction projects, including budgeting, financial reporting, and managing risks related to costs and contracts.

Complete Secondary Education

Achieve GCSEs

Obtain at least five GCSEs at grades 4 or above, particularly in maths, English, and science.

Employers and further education providers often require good passes in core subjects, as quantity surveying relies on strong numeracy and communication skills. Maths is especially important for cost calculations and data analysis.

Study Relevant A Levels or Equivalent

Take A levels in subjects such as maths, business studies, economics, or geography, or complete a relevant Level 3 vocational qualification.

A levels in these subjects provide a strong foundation for the technical and analytical tasks involved in quantity surveying. Alternatively, BTEC Nationals or other Level 3 vocational courses in construction or the built environment are also accepted by some universities and employers.

Gain Qualifications in Quantity Surveying

Study for a Degree or Higher Apprenticeship

Complete a university degree in quantity surveying, or an apprenticeship in quantity surveying or a related field.

A RICS-accredited degree (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is preferred by most employers. Courses typically last three to four years and include work placements. Alternatively, you can complete a higher apprenticeship, which combines on-the-job training with part-time study.

Gain Work Experience

Undertake internships, summer placements, or part-time work in construction or surveying.

Work experience will help you develop practical skills and build contacts within the industry. Many employers value hands-on experience and it can improve your job prospects after graduation or apprenticeship.

Become Professionally Qualified

Gain Relevant Employment

Secure a graduate or trainee position with a construction firm, consultancy, or local authority.

Working under the supervision of experienced Quantity Surveyors will help you develop your technical skills and gain insight into the profession. Many employers offer structured graduate training schemes.

Achieve Chartered Status

Work towards chartered status with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) by completing the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).

Chartered status demonstrates your professionalism and expertise. The APC typically takes two to three years and involves demonstrating your skills across a range of competencies. Chartered Quantity Surveyors are highly regarded and have better career prospects.

🎯 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

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

A Quantity Surveyor's role primarily involves managing costs, budgets, and contractual aspects of construction projects, which closely aligns with a Building Surveyor's responsibilities in overseeing the condition, compliance, and technical aspects of buildings. Both roles require a detailed understanding of construction processes and building regulations, making them most similar 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

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.

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