What is a quantity surveyor?
A quantity surveyor oversees the financial aspect of construction. You'll manage the budget for the entire project. This includes cost analysis, tendering contracts and monitoring costs. This can be a high pressure job, but with high reward.
You'll need to register with the RICS to become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor. This shows you're qualified to work at the highest level, giving you opportunities to progress in your career. There are several ways to become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor:
- An RICS accredited degree plus relevant experience
- Any bachelors degree plus 5 years of relevant experience
- 10 years of relevant senior experience
Key facts
- Salary - £26,000 - £70,000
- Hours - Up to 40 hours a week (plus overtime)
- Industry - Construction, infrastructure, consultancy
- Education - Degree or Degree Apprenticeship
- Professional body - RICS
What does a quantity surveyor do?
- Cost analysis before construction projects start
- Work out the cost of material and labour
- Prepare tender packages to put out to contract
- Choose contractors and suppliers
- Monitor spending and update budgets
- Ensure compliance with laws and regulations
- Keep stakeholders updated
- Cost analysis for maintenance and ongoing costs
What skills do you need?
Why should you become a quantity surveyor?
A career as a quantity surveyor requires unique expertise. You'll need to understand both the practical and financial aspects of the construction industry. This is a highly skilled role where you can earn up to £70,000 a year.
Working as a quantity surveyor is both dynamic and engaging. You'll respond to new challenges, as you try to stay within budget. While this can be stressful, it's also rewarding as no day will be the same.
You'll develop transferable skills that can be used in other finance or management roles, if you ever want to change career. This includes project management, as you'll have experience managing third party contractors and suppliers.
Where next?
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to become a quantity surveyor. An RICS accredited degree or Degree Apprenticeship is the fastest route to a career in quantity surveying. Take a look at some of our courses below.
