Creating Career Path...

Finding Further Careers...

Construction

Building Surveyor

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

A Building Surveyor is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and advising on buildings. They assess structural integrity, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and help plan renovations or new constructions. Building Surveyors work on a variety of projects, including historic buildings, new developments, and refurbishments, making it a versatile and important role within the construction industry. To become one, you usually need a degree in building surveying or a related field, followed by professional accreditation.

Building Surveyor

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average annual salary for a Building Surveyor in the UK ranges from around £30,000 to £55,000, depending on experience and location.

Employment Opportunities

There are approximately 15,000 Building Surveyor positions across the UK, with steady demand in both private and public sectors.

Job Growth

The career is expected to grow at about 4% over the next ten years, driven by the need for building maintenance, refurbishment, and sustainable design.

🚀 Careers in this path

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Residential Building Surveyor

Specialises in inspecting and assessing residential properties, providing reports for homeowners, buyers, and sellers. Ideal for students interested in housing and property valuation.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Commercial Building Surveyor

Focuses on inspecting and evaluating commercial properties such as offices, shops, and warehouses. Suitable for students interested in business premises and large-scale assessments.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Heritage Building Surveyor

Specialises in conserving and restoring historic buildings and landmarks. Perfect for students passionate about history, architecture, and preservation.

Start with Education 🎓

Complete GCSEs

Begin by achieving good GCSE grades, particularly in subjects like Maths, English, and Science.

Strong GCSE results are essential as they form the foundation for further studies. Focus on subjects that will help you in construction or surveying courses.

Pursue Relevant A-Levels or Equivalent

Enroll in A-Levels or equivalent qualifications such as BTECs in Construction, Engineering, or related subjects.

Choosing subjects related to construction, maths, or technology will prepare you for university courses and apprenticeships in building surveying.

Research Higher Education Options

Look into universities offering degrees in Building Surveying, Construction Management, or Civil Engineering.

Select courses accredited by professional bodies like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Attending open days and speaking to course advisors can help you choose the right university.

Gain Practical Experience 🏗️

Complete a Degree in Building Surveying or Related Field

Enroll in a university course in Building Surveying or Civil Engineering and complete it successfully.

A degree is often necessary to become a Chartered Building Surveyor. Focus on modules related to building regulations, construction technology, and property law.

Secure Work Placements or Internships

Apply for placements with construction firms, surveyors, or local authorities to gain practical industry experience.

These opportunities help you understand real-world building projects, improve your skills, and establish industry contacts. Many universities facilitate such placements.

Develop Skills in Building Inspection and Legal Regulations

Learn about building codes, health and safety regulations, and inspection procedures during your placements.

Building Surveyors need to be familiar with legal standards and inspection techniques. Gaining hands-on experience is vital for your future career development.

Progress to Professional Status 🏅

Register for RICS Membership

Apply to become a Chartered Surveyor by registering with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Achieving RICS membership involves completing a period of supervised work experience and passing a professional assessment. This status enhances your career prospects and credibility.

Gain Chartered Status and Specialise

Complete your professional assessment and specialise in areas such as conservation, refurbishment, or new builds.

Chartered Building Surveyors are highly valued in the industry. Specialising allows you to focus on specific areas of interest and increase your earning potential.

Continue Professional Development

Attend courses, seminars, and workshops to keep your skills up to date.

Ongoing professional development is essential to maintain your Chartered status and stay informed about changes in building regulations and industry standards.

🎬 Useful Videos

Expert Film: This is Laura Malone, who works as a Site Manager for Morgan Sindall. Laura talks about the stretchiness of materials.
1:14
Expert

Expert Film: This is Laura Malone, who works as a Site Manager for Morgan Sindall. Laura talks about the stretchiness of materials.

over 1 year ago
Expert Film: This is Andy Clayton, who works as the Social Value Manager for Morgan Sindall. Andy talks about how mixtures can be separated.
1:24
Expert

Expert Film: This is Andy Clayton, who works as the Social Value Manager for Morgan Sindall. Andy talks about how mixtures can be separated.

over 1 year ago
Expert Film: This is Andy Clayton, who works as the Social Value Manager for Morgan Sindall. Andy talks about the uses of materials.
1:32
Expert

Expert Film: This is Andy Clayton, who works as the Social Value Manager for Morgan Sindall. Andy talks about the uses of materials.

over 1 year ago

🎯 View Apprenticeships

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

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

The career title 'Building surveyor' most closely matches the role of a 'Building surveyor' as both involve inspecting, assessing, and managing various aspects of buildings, including their structure, safety, and condition. They require similar qualifications and skills related to building regulations, architecture, and construction consultancy.

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.