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Quantity surveyor

Alternative titles for this job include

Quantity surveyors oversee construction projects, managing risks and controlling costs.

Average salary (a year)

£26,000 Starter

to

£70,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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 could do a quantity surveying degree or a postgraduate conversion course accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Related degree subjects include:

  • construction
  • structural or civil engineering
  • building surveying
  • maths
  • geography
  • economics
  • land studies

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 apply to do a Construction Quantity Surveyor, or Chartered Surveyor, Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

These take between 3 and 5 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a learning provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start work as a surveying technician or surveying assistant with a company, and study part-time to become a quantity surveyor.

Other Routes

You could get a postgraduate surveying qualification through a graduate trainee scheme with a company, or through distance learning with the University College of Estate Management.

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a quantity surveyor from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Go Construct.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a quantity surveyor, you could:

  • find out a client's needs and assess if the plans are feasible
  • work out quantities and costs of materials, time and labour for tenders
  • negotiate contracts and work schedules
  • advise on legal matters, including commercial risks and disputes
  • monitor costs through each stage of a construction project
  • report on finances and prepare accounts for payment
  • keep up to date with developments in construction methods
  • make sure health and safety and building regulations are followed

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a senior quantity surveyor or move into senior project management, supply chain management, consultancy work or self-employment.

You could specialise in areas like planning, risk assessment or contract disputes.

You could also apply for chartered surveyor status, to have your skills and expertise recognised, and to improve your career prospects.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprenticeship for MEP Quantity Surveyor

  • Wage: £15,000 a year Annually
  • Location: Blechynden Terrace, Southampton

Level 6 Quantity Surveying Apprenticeship

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: Unit 10 Walton Industrial Estate, Stone, Staffordshire

Courses In England

HNC Quantity Surveying

  • Provider: MID-KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Maidstone

HNC Quantity Surveying (HTQ) Part Time

  • Provider: OAKLANDS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 15 September 2025
  • Location: Welwyn Garden City

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