What is a Quantity Surveyor and What Do They Do in Construction?

A Quantity Surveyor (QS) is a construction industry professional responsible for managing all costs related to building projects, from initial calculations to the final figures. Their work is essential for ensuring projects are completed within budget and meet legal and quality standards. This role combines technical knowledge with financial and managerial skills, offering a stable and well-compensated career path with an average UK salary of approximately £46,025 per year.

What Are the Core Responsibilities of a Quantity Surveyor?

The primary duty of a Quantity Surveyor is cost management throughout a project's lifecycle. This begins with preparing initial estimates and tender documents and continues with tracking expenses and managing payments during construction. A key concept in their work is life cycle costing, which involves calculating the total cost of a building over its entire life, not just the initial construction. Their responsibilities are diverse and can be categorized into several key areas:

• Cost Estimation and Budgeting: Creating detailed estimates for materials, labor, and time.
• Contract Administration: Preparing and managing contract documents, including those for tender processes.
• Financial Reporting: Drafting regular budget reports to keep clients and stakeholders informed.
• Risk Management: Identifying potential financial risks and proposing mitigation strategies.
• Project Validation: Inspecting work to ensure it complies with legal requirements and quality standards.

Based on our assessment experience, Quantity Surveyors often work in two primary capacities: for a contractor on-site or as a Private Quantity Surveyor (PQS) advising the client directly.

What Skills and Qualifications Are Needed to Become a Quantity Surveyor?

Becoming a Quantity Surveyor typically requires a blend of formal education and specific skill sets. There are two common entry routes:

1. Academic Pathway: Obtaining an undergraduate degree in quantity surveying, construction, civil engineering, or a related field. Many professionals also pursue postgraduate conversion courses accredited by recognized bodies like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
2. Apprenticeship Pathway: Undertaking a surveying technician advanced apprenticeship, which provides hands-on experience while working.

Beyond qualifications, successful Quantity Surveyors possess a specific skill set. Essential skills include:

• Excellent numerical and analytical abilities
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Strong problem-solving skills
• A good understanding of construction methods and technology
• Effective communication and negotiation skills

What is the Typical Career Path and Salary for a Quantity Surveyor?

The career path for a Quantity Surveyor is well-defined and offers clear progression. Most begin as a trainee or assistant quantity surveyor, supporting senior staff. After gaining two to three years of experience, they typically advance to a role where they manage projects with greater independence. A significant career milestone is achieving chartered status through RICS, which involves completing the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). This two-year structured training program culminates in a final assessment and enhances career prospects and earning potential.

With extensive experience (often ten years or more), senior roles become available, such as Project Manager, Commercial Manager, or Senior Quantity Surveyor, which involve managing teams and larger, more complex projects.

Salary levels reflect this progression. While the national average salary is a strong benchmark, factors like experience, chartered status, location, and the hiring company can cause variation.

In summary, the key takeaways for a career as a Quantity Surveyor are:

• The role is central to the financial health of construction projects.
• A combination of strong mathematical and interpersonal skills is crucial.
• Professional accreditation, such as RICS chartered status, significantly advances career prospects.
• The career path offers clear progression from a junior to a senior management level.

Salary figures are based on industry data at the time of writing and may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background, and location. This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with any institutions mentioned.