The Quantity Surveyor (QS) role is central to the financial health of construction projects and real estate developments across the UK.

From costing up commercial high-rises in Manchester to streamlining tender processes on rail schemes in London, the responsibilities of a QS are grounded in numbers, future thinking and business strategy.

For newly qualified professionals entering the industry or those weighing up a move into construction, knowledge of what a Quantity Surveyor really does, and what a successful career path in the discipline can look like, is invaluable. This guide will talk readers through role definitions, expectations, prospects for progression, and the wider context of a growing QS skills shortage in the UK.

What Does a Quantity Surveyor Do?

In simple terms, a Quantity Surveyor’s responsibility is to control costs and add value at every stage of a construction project. They will oversee the financial control of projects to ensure that they are completed on time and within budget, whilst also meeting legal, technical, and quality standards. It is a role that works across the pre-contract and post-contract stages, is multi-faceted in its approach, and handles many duties such as:

• Preparation of cost estimates and budgets
• Preparation of tenders and contractor selection
• Contractual and commercial management of projects
• Valuations of completed work and forecasting the final costs of projects
• Identifying and evaluating financial risks and changes in projects
• Providing financial and procurement advice to clients and project stakeholders

In short, within commercial construction roles, the QS is often the missing piece between the business and the physical build itself— a relationship that has resulted in many employers making these roles more central to their commercial teams, as the construction industry grapples with challenges related to inflation, compliance pressures, supply chains, and sustainability directives.

A Day in the Life of a Quantity Surveyor

The phrase “Day in the Life of a Quantity Surveyor” can vary greatly depending on project stage, employer, and specialisation. On a typical day, a Quantity Surveyor might:

• Attend site meetings to track progress and cost implications
• Review subcontractor valuations and approve payments
• Assess project risks and issue cost reports to project managers
• Liaise with clients, architects, and contractors to resolve commercial issues
• Use digital tools like Excel, CostX, or Bluebeam to update cost plans

In consultancy, the focus could be on strategic planning and client liaison. When working for contractors, the emphasis might be on managing subcontractors, contracts, and obligations on live construction sites.

The work can be challenging, but it is also well worth it. Every day offers something different—balancing technical understanding with interpersonal shrewdness and business acumen.

Technical and Soft Skills That Make a Great Quantity Surveyor

Success as a quantity surveyor requires a balance of hard and soft skills. Essential Quantity Surveyor skills include:

Technical Skills

• Strong numerical and analytical abilities
• Construction processes and materials
• Experience with cost management software- CostX
• Legal knowledge, such as contract law, and procurement methods
• Advanced proficiency in Excel

Soft Skills

• Attention to detail—missing a zero in a budget sheet can have serious consequences
• Negotiation and communication skills to liaise with clients and contractors
• Organisation and time management across multiple deadlines
• Problem-solving in dynamic environments

The ability to walk a site in the morning, crunch numbers in the afternoon, and diplomatically resolve a contract dispute before day's end is what separates good QSs from great ones.

Starting Your Career: Assistant Quantity Surveyor and Beyond

There are several common routes into Quantity Surveyor jobs in the UK. Many professionals begin their careers after earning a degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related subject. Apprenticeships and trainee roles are also increasingly popular entry points, particularly for those who want to earn while learning.

Entry-level professionals often begin as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor, supporting senior team members with measurement tasks, cost tracking, and documentation. This foundational role allows early-career professionals to gain critical site and office experience while developing their technical toolkit.

With time and exposure, many go on to become Project Quantity Surveyors or Commercial Managers. A clear QS career path might look like:

• Trainee or Assistant Quantity Surveyor
• Intermediate/Project QS
• Senior QS
• Managing Quantity Surveyor
• Commercial Director

It’s also common to specialise—whether in civil engineering, fit-out, residential development, or consultancy. Flexibility and curiosity are key.

The Value of RICS Accreditation

A pivotal milestone for many is obtaining the RICS qualification (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). Becoming chartered via the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) marks a professional leap and opens doors to more senior roles, higher salaries, and global mobility.

For many employers and clients, RICS accreditation is a gold standard—it validates your skills, commitment, and professionalism.

In-Demand and On the Rise

The demand for skilled Quantity Surveyors continues to grow. As the UK grapples with housing shortages, urban regeneration, and net-zero construction goals, the role of the QS is only becoming more vital.

In addition, a focus on infrastructure (through initiatives like HS2 and transport development) means long-term career prospects are strong. Senior QS salary figures often reflect this demand, with experienced professionals in major cities earning upwards of £70,000–£90,000 per year, excluding bonuses.

The Human Side of Quantity Surveying

While the role is often associated with numbers, contracts, and spreadsheets, the people-focused nature of the profession can’t be overstated. QSs are the communicators, advisors, and diplomats on site and in boardrooms.

Whether you're mediating between a client and contractor, mentoring a junior colleague, or advising on project risk, human interaction is at the heart of any quantity surveyor’s job. That blend of analytical thinking and emotional intelligence is what makes it a dynamic, fulfilling career.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re a graduate looking to break into the industry or an experienced professional seeking a new challenge, we invite you to explore our latest Quantity Surveyor opportunities across the UK. From assistant/intern roles to senior-level positions, there’s something for every stage of the journey.

If you’re an employer looking to hire a skilled QS, connect with our specialist construction recruitment team to find your next hire.