Quantity surveyors help clients get value for money by keeping construction and civil engineering projects financially on track while meeting legal, safety and quality standards
As a quantity surveyor (QS), you'll estimate, monitor and control project costs from initial feasibility through to final accounts, ensuring that construction work stays on budget and represents good value. You'll prepare cost plans, analyse tenders, manage contracts and assess the financial impact of design changes.
You may work for clients or contractors, in an office or on site, and you'll be involved at every stage of a project. Projects range from commercial and residential buildings to infrastructure and industrial developments.
Alternative job titles include:
- commercial manager
- construction cost consultant
- cost manager.
Types of quantity surveyors
You may work as a:
- consultant quantity surveyor (PQS), advising clients on budgets, procurement and contracts from the design stage
- contractor quantity surveyor, working on site to manage costs, subcontractors and commercial performance
- specialist cost manager, focusing on areas such as infrastructure, M&E (mechanical and electrical) or major projects.
Quantity surveyor responsibilities
Your duties will vary depending on whether you work for a contractor or consultancy, but you'll typically need to:
- assist clients in defining project requirements and carry out feasibility studies
- prepare and analyse cost estimates for materials, labour, time and project risks
- prepare tender and contract documents, including bills of quantities
- negotiate contracts and agree work schedules
- allocate work to subcontractors and oversee their performance
- manage risk, value engineering and cost control throughout construction
- ensure the project remains on budget and financially viable
- undertake cost analysis for repair and maintenance work
- advise on procurement strategies
- identify and manage commercial risks
- provide advice on contractual claims and disputes
- analyse project outcomes and prepare detailed progress and cost reports
- value completed work, certify payments and manage final accounts
- maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of building contracts and procurement routes
- understand and apply health and safety regulations.
With experience, you may also:
- advise on property taxation and life‑cycle costing
- provide post‑occupancy and facilities management advice
- support clients in securing additional funding
- advise on maintenance costs and long‑term asset planning.
Quantity surveyor salary
- Graduate or trainee quantity surveyors typically earn around £28,000.
- Qualified quantity surveyors earn an average of £55,000, rising to around £70,000 for associate QSs and managers.
- Senior management roles such as associate director average £85,000, rising to around £118,000 for director‑level positions.
Salaries vary depending on qualifications, experience, employer type (consultancy or contractor), location and sector. Chartered status significantly improves salary and career prospects.
Benefits may include bonuses, car allowances, pensions, private healthcare and life insurance.
For more information about salaries in the property sector, see the Macdonald & Company Salary, Rewards and Sentiments Report 2026.
Income figures are intended as a guide only.
How many hours does a quantity surveyor work?
Working hours are typically 37 to 40 per week, though occasional weekend work may be required.
Consultancy and local government roles usually follow standard office hours. Contractor roles may involve longer hours, shift work or extended site‑based schedules.
How do you become a quantity surveyor?
You'll usually need a RICS‑accredited degree in quantity surveying or quantity surveying and commercial management.
If your degree is in another subject, you can take a RICS‑accredited postgraduate conversion course. Relevant subjects include:
- building or construction
- civil or structural engineering
- economics
- geography
- mathematics
- project management (construction)
- urban and land studies.
A list of accredited courses is available at RICS Courses.
You can also complete a RICS‑accredited Level 6 chartered surveying degree apprenticeship, combining paid work with part‑time study.
If you don't have a degree, you can start as a technical surveyor and progress through part‑time study or a Level 3 surveying technician apprenticeship.
Further study and relevant work experience are essential for gaining chartership.
Search postgraduate courses in quantity surveying.
What skills does a quantity surveyor need?
You'll need to have:
- strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing clear reports
- excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships with clients and contractors
- numerical and data analysis skills
- IT skills and the ability to use advanced costing and design software
- project management skills
- commercial and financial awareness
- knowledge of construction technology, materials, contracts and legal matters.
Quantity surveyor work experience
Work experience is highly valued. Employers look for enthusiasm, commitment and practical understanding of the industry.
You can gain experience through structured work placements, lasting from a few days to a full summer or by work shadowing a quantity surveyor.
Speculative applications to local firms are often well-received and you can use the RICS Find a Surveyor tool to identify firms to contact.
Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.
Who employs quantity surveyors?
Major employers include:
- architects
- building and civil engineering contractors
- commercial businesses
- housing associations
- large engineering consultancies
- local authorities and government agencies
- mechanical and electrical contractors
- petroleum engineering companies (often under the title ‘cost engineer’)
- private practice quantity surveyors (PQS)
- property firms and developers.
Many employers operate in multidisciplinary teams, so you may work alongside civil engineers, architects and project managers.
Look for job vacancies at:
Academic tutors, lecturers and careers services often have strong links with construction employers, so keeping in touch can help you hear about opportunities and strengthen your applications.
Specialist recruitment agencies such as Macdonald & Company also advertise vacancies.
What are the career prospects for professional development in quantity surveying?
Once working as a trainee QS, the next step is to gain RICS membership (MRICS) by completing the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). This structured programme usually lasts around two years and includes:
- logbooks and training records
- regular meetings with a counsellor and supervisor
- a set number of CPD hours
- a final assessment interview.
RICS members must complete at least 20 hours of CPD annually, which may include courses, conferences, workshops, private study or in‑house training.
You can also enhance your career by joining bodies such as:
- Association of Cost Engineers (ACOSTE)
- Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
- Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES).
Career progression typically moves from trainee to junior/assistant QS, then to intermediate roles managing larger projects. Chartered status significantly improves progression opportunities.
With experience, you may move into:
- senior QS roles
- quantity surveyor manager
- project manager
- contracts or commercial manager
- specialist areas such as civil engineering, capital allowances, supply chain management or dispute resolution.
With substantial experience, you may work as a freelance consultant, become self‑employed or take up opportunities overseas.