What is a Quantity Surveyor?

A Quantity Surveyor is a professional in the construction industry who manages the financial and contractual aspect of a project. A Quantity Surveyor will seek to manage the budget in a way that will achieve the project requirements whilst maximizing value for money. 

This is an in demand role with a plethora or job opportunities because wherever there is a construction project, there must be a Quantity Surveyor. Work could involve anything from residential and commercial builds to industrial site fabrication.

But what exactly does the job involve? What qualifications are required? And what is a Quantity Surveyor salary and how does it compare to others in the industry? All of these questions will be answered in this article, so keep reading!

Job description 

Duties

The typical day to day work of a Quantity Surveyor is varied. You will follow a project from outset to completion and will be involved at each stage. There are a variety of tasks you can expect to perform in the role, such as: 

• Liaising with the client to understand requirements

• Preparing cost estimates, plans and feasibility studies

• Identifying possible risks and preparing solutions

• Ensuring building regulations are adhered to

• Making sure the project runs within budget

• Creating contracts, reports, and other documentation

• Sourcing of required contractors and subcontractors 

• Arranging for the payment of staff wages

Location

A Quantity Surveyor can expect a combination of office and site based work, the level of which is determined by the particular role. For example, a Quantity Surveyor working as a contractor may be required on site more frequently than someone who is employed by a private firm. The office you work in could be a commercial high rise or a temporary hut on a construction site, the glamour level really depends on the individual role!

Hours 

The working schedule of a Quantity Surveyor is pretty standard. You can expect to work an average of between 37 to 40 hours per week, with weekend and evening work required occasionally depending on the specific role. 

Salary

Quantity Surveyors earn a desirable amount that can range from £25,000 to £80,000 per year dependent on experience. This Quantity Surveyor average salary is one of the best in the construction industry, ranking the highest when compared to a structural engineer (£25,000 to £70,000), site manger (£27,000 to £65,000) and labourer (£17,000 to £30,000). 

Career progression

It is not difficult to increase the Quantity Surveyor average salary from starter to more experienced as there is a clear career path to be followed which will allow you to have a well-defined goal in mind. The standard career path is as follows – Graduate 🡪 Junior 🡪 Senior 🡪 Manager

Qualifications needed 

As Quantity Surveying is a specialized profession, you will require a relevant educational background in order to secure a job. One option is to follow the traditional route of obtaining a degree qualification. However, not everyone is blessed with the budget and entry requirements needed for such a course. 

In the modern day there are a plethora of alternatives available, which will lead to similar career prospects and equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel. One such option is an Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying which is a Level 6 qualification accredited by the Association of Planning Engineers and Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering. The course can be completed part-time alongside work or other commitments and is a fraction of the cost of a degree.

Online learning institutions such as the College of Contract Management are increasing in popularity and are a great option for gaining your Quantity Surveying qualification as they offer you the flexibility and convenience of being able to study from wherever you want, whenever you want. They also allow you to study with peace of mind during the Covid-19 pandemic as you will not need to attend a physical college or university. 

Final Thoughts 

Quantity Surveyors earn one of the best salaries in the construction industry, and alongside a varied day to day and excellent career progression potential it is a superb job to choose. If you are starting out on your journey, or currently working as a Quantity Surveyor and wish to improve your existing knowledge, gaining additional qualifications through online study is a great modern day alternative to a traditional undergraduate or postgraduate degree.