Working as a Quantity Surveyor
Ever considered a career where you get to blend financial expertise with hands-on construction knowledge? Working as a quantity surveyor offers exactly this unique combination, placing you at the heart of every building project while controlling substantial budgets and making decisions that shape our built environment.
The construction sector continues to grow across the UK, creating strong demand for professionals who understand both the financial and practical aspects of building projects. Whether you're considering this career path or simply curious about what quantity surveyors actually do day-to-day, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive picture of what working in this profession really involves.
Is Quantity Surveying a Good Career?
Working as a quantity surveyor offers one of the most stable and rewarding career paths in the construction industry. The profession combines intellectual challenges with practical problem-solving, making every project different and engaging.
You'll find yourself at the centre of major construction projects, managing budgets that can range from thousands to millions of pounds. The variety in this role means you might spend your morning reviewing contracts in the office, your afternoon on a construction site assessing progress, and your evening negotiating with suppliers - no two days are quite the same.
The financial rewards reflect the responsibility that comes with the role. Starting salaries typically range from £25,000 to £31,000 for graduates, rising to £35,000-£50,000 with experience. Senior quantity surveyors and those achieving chartered status can expect salaries of £55,000-£70,000+, with commercial managers earning even more.
Beyond the financial benefits, quantity surveying offers excellent job security. Construction projects always need cost management, and the skills you develop are transferable across different sectors and geographical locations.
What Does Working as a Quantity Surveyor Actually Involve?
Your daily responsibilities will vary depending on the project stage and your level of experience. In the early phases of a project, you'll work closely with architects and engineers to understand the scope and create detailed cost estimates. This involves analysing drawings, calculating material quantities, and researching current market prices.
During construction, your focus shifts to monitoring the project's financial health. You'll conduct regular site visits to assess progress, prepare monthly valuations for completed work, and manage payments to subcontractors. When variations arise - and they always do - you'll negotiate costs and assess the impact on the overall budget.
Contract administration forms a significant part of the role. You'll prepare tender documents, evaluate bids from contractors, and manage the contractual relationships between different parties. This requires strong communication skills and the ability to interpret complex legal documents.
The office-based aspects include preparing detailed cost reports, updating project budgets, and liaising with clients about financial matters. Modern quantity surveyors also work extensively with digital tools, including Building Information Modelling (BIM) software and sophisticated cost management systems.
Career Progression and Alternative Paths
Working as a quantity surveyor opens doors to numerous career advancement opportunities. Many professionals progress from junior quantity surveyor roles to senior positions, then move into project management or commercial management roles where they oversee multiple projects and larger teams.
Some quantity surveyors specialise in particular sectors such as infrastructure, residential development, or commercial projects. Others move into consultancy roles, providing expert advice to multiple clients rather than working for a single organisation.
The skills you develop also translate well into related careers. Many quantity surveyors transition into roles such as project directors, construction managers, or even tart their own consultancy businesses. The commercial acumen gained makes former quantity surveyors attractive candidates for senior management positions across the construction industry.
Professional development through chartered status with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) significantly enhances career prospects and earning potential.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) supports professionals across the construction industry, with a focus on management and leadership roles.
The Association of Cost Engineers (ACostE) and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) also offer relevant qualifications and membership benefits for quantity surveyors in specialised areas.
What Qualifications Do You Need?
The traditional route involves completing a degree in quantity surveying, construction management, or a related field. Universities across the UK offer courses accredited by professional bodies, which streamline the path to chartered status.
However, you don't necessarily need a degree to become a quantity surveyor. Apprenticeships provide an excellent alternative route, allowing you to earn while you learn. These programmes combine academic study with practical experience, often leading to the same qualifications as university graduates.
For those already working in construction, it's possible to transition into quantity surveying through professional development courses and gaining relevant experience. The key is demonstrating strong numerical skills, attention to detail, and understanding of construction processes.
The most valuable qualification remains chartered status with RICS, which typically requires a relevant degree or equivalent, two years of structured training, and passing a professional assessment.
Are Quantity Surveyors in High Demand?
Current market conditions show strong demand for quantity surveyors across the UK Government infrastructure investments, ongoing housing developments, and the need to upgrade aging buildings create consistent opportunities for professionals in this field.
The demand varies by region, with London and the South East typically offering the highest salaries and most opportunities. However, major cities across the UK, including Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, also show healthy job markets for quantity surveyors.
Future prospects look positive due to several factors: the UK's commitment to net-zero carbon emissions requires expertise in sustainable construction costs, aging infrastructure needs replacement and upgrade, and the complexity of modern construction projects demands skilled cost management.
How Long Does It Take to Become Senior?
Career progression timelines vary depending on your starting point and the route you take. Graduate quantity surveyors typically spend 2-3 years gaining experience before achieving chartered status, which opens doors to more senior roles.
Reaching senior quantity surveyor level usually takes 5-7 years from graduation, though exceptional performers may progress faster. Moving into management positions such as commercial manager or project director typically requires 8-12 years of experience, along with demonstrated leadership abilities.
The journey is often accelerated by working on diverse projects, gaining experience across different sectors, and actively pursuing professional development opportunities.
How Stressful Is Quantity Surveying?
Like many professional roles, quantity surveying can be demanding, particularly when projects face tight deadlines or budget pressures. The responsibility of managing substantial budgets and maintaining client relationships does create pressure.
However, most professionals find the variety and intellectual challenge of the work rewarding enough to offset the stress. The key is developing strong organisational skills and learning to manage multiple priorities effectively.
The stress levels often depend on the type of organisation you work for and the projects you're involved with. Larger consultancies may offer more structured support systems, while smaller firms might provide more varied experience but require greater independence.
Many quantity surveyors appreciate that despite the pressures, the role offers good work-life balance compared to some other construction professions, with regular office hours being more common than extended site-based work.
The Future of Quantity Surveying
Technology continues to reshape the profession, with digital tools becoming increasingly sophisticated. Modern quantity surveyors work with cloud-based cost management systems, use drones for site surveys, and apply artificial intelligence for cost prediction.
Sustainability considerations are becoming central to the role, requiring expertise in lifecycle costing and environmental impact assessment. This evolution creates opportunities for quantity surveyors who develop expertise in green building techniques and sustainable materials.
The profession is also becoming more international, with UK-qualified quantity surveyors finding opportunities in global markets, particularly in developing economies where construction expertise is in high demand.
If you're considering a career in quantity surveying or looking to advance your existing career in construction cost management, our experienced recruitment team at Select Recruitment can help you find the right opportunity to match your aspirations and experience level.
Get in touch today to discuss your next career move.