Quantity surveyor

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.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• maths knowledge
• knowledge of building and construction
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• 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

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Mathematics - Quantity surveyors work with numbers constantly – calculating material quantities, estimating costs, monitoring budgets, and preparing financial reports. They need to be confident with arithmetic, percentages, and data analysis to keep construction projects on track financially.
• Business - Quantity surveyors negotiate contracts, manage budgets, and advise clients on the financial viability of construction projects. Understanding how businesses operate, how contracts work, and how to manage risk is central to the role.
• Economics - Quantity surveyors need to understand how market conditions affect the cost of materials, labour, and land. They assess whether projects are financially feasible and advise clients on how to get the best value, which requires economic thinking about supply, demand, and pricing.
• Design and Technology - Quantity surveyors need to understand construction materials, building methods, and how structures are put together. This knowledge helps them accurately estimate what a project will cost and spot potential problems before they become expensive.

Also relevant

• Law - Quantity surveyors advise on legal matters including contracts, commercial risks, and disputes between clients and contractors. Understanding how contract law works helps them protect their clients' interests and resolve disagreements.
• Geography - Quantity surveyors work on projects where the location and environment affect costs and feasibility. Understanding land use, environmental factors, and how geography influences construction decisions helps them plan more effectively.
• Engineering - Quantity surveyors work alongside engineers and need to understand engineering principles to accurately assess the complexity and cost of structural and civil engineering work. This helps them produce realistic estimates and monitor progress on technically demanding projects.
• Accounting - Quantity surveyors prepare accounts for payment, track expenditure across project stages, and produce detailed financial reports. Understanding accounting principles helps them manage the flow of money on large construction projects.
• Physics - Quantity surveyors benefit from understanding the physical properties of materials and how forces act on structures. This helps them assess the practicality of construction plans and understand why certain methods or materials cost more than others.