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If you’ve Googled “Quantity Surveyor job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over again: long bullet lists, vague responsibilities, and job posts that feel more like a legal contract than an invitation to join a team.
But here’s the problem—those generic job descriptions don’t help you attract the right talent. They might check a box for HR, but they don’t inspire top candidates to actually apply.
A great Quantity Surveyor job post should do more than list duties. It should show candidates why the role matters, what kind of projects they’ll contribute to, and why your company is worth their time.
That’s what this guide is all about. We’re not just giving you a copy-paste template—you’ll get practical examples, good vs. bad comparisons, and a blueprint you can reuse whenever you’re hiring.
👉 Before we dive in, I recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ . It breaks down why generic posts fail, and how to turn job descriptions into one of your most powerful recruiting tools.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
What the Quantity Surveyor Role Actually Is
A Quantity Surveyor (QS) is the financial and cost expert of construction projects. They make sure every brick, beam, and hour of labor is accounted for—and that projects stay on budget without cutting corners.
In simple terms, a Quantity Surveyor helps balance quality vs. cost. They estimate expenses before a project begins, track costs as work progresses, and ensure that clients, contractors, and stakeholders all get fair value.
This means they’re not just “number crunchers.” A good Quantity Surveyor is:
- A strategic advisor who can forecast risks and prevent overspending.
- A negotiator who ensures contracts and pricing are fair for everyone involved.
- A bridge between teams, helping clients, engineers, architects, and contractors align on financial and project realities.
Because construction projects can be complex and expensive, Quantity Surveyors play a mission-critical role: they protect profitability for the company, fairness for contractors, and confidence for clients.
👉 In short: Quantity Surveyors keep projects financially healthy, legally compliant, and efficiently delivered.
Two Great Quantity Surveyor Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Job Description Example 1: For Experienced Quantity Surveyor
📌 Job Title: Senior Quantity Surveyor — Commercial Projects
📍 Location: London, UK | Hybrid (3 days onsite, 2 days remote)
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary: £55,000–£70,000 per year (DOE) + performance bonus
🎥 Meet Your Hiring Manager
Watch a quick 90-second intro from our Commercial Director about this role and our current pipeline. (Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are — Crestfield Construction (London)
Crestfield Construction is a London-based main contractor delivering complex commercial builds and refurbishments across the UK. Over the past 20 years, we’ve completed 2M+ sq ft of office, retail, and mixed-use space, with clients ranging from FTSE-250 firms to fast-growing scaleups. Our 2025 pipeline includes a £60M mixed-use scheme in Shoreditch and a £25M NHS clinic retrofit program focused on energy efficiency and lifecycle value.
Your Impact
As our Senior Quantity Surveyor, you’ll be the commercial lead on flagship projects—owning cost planning, procurement, and contract administration to protect margins without compromising quality.
What You’ll Do
- Lead cost planning, tendering, and value engineering for major commercial projects
- Manage NEC/JCT contracts end-to-end, including variations and claims
- Oversee subcontract procurement, payment applications, and final accounts
- Produce monthly CVRs, cashflow forecasts, and risk registers
- Partner with PMs/Design to balance spec, cost, and programme
- Mentor Assistant/Graduate QSs and uplift commercial ways of working
What We’re Looking For
- 5+ years as a QS (commercial builds/refurb preferred)
- Strong NEC/JCT knowledge and proven change control experience
- RICS chartered (or actively working toward it) preferred
- Excellent negotiation, stakeholder, and reporting skills
Perks & Benefits
- Performance bonus + pension + private medical
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (option to buy/sell 5)
- RICS fees paid + £1,500 annual CPD budget
- Season ticket loan + cycle to work + onsite wellness perks
- Hybrid working kit (laptop, monitor, WFH allowance)
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Lead commercial delivery on headline projects that shape London’s skyline
- Real progression to Commercial Manager with a clear 12–24 month pathway
- Autonomy to influence procurement strategy and value engineering outcomes
- A collaborative, low-ego team that backs smart decisions with data
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen (short skills evaluation included): (insert WorkScreen apply link)
We review every application and provide timely updates throughout the process.
✅ Job Description Example 2: For Entry-Level / Trainee Quantity Surveyor
📌 Job Title: Trainee Quantity Surveyor — Residential Developments
📍 Location: Greater Manchester, UK | Onsite with occasional travel
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary: £22,000–£28,000 per year + study support
🎥 Meet Your Future Mentor
Our Senior QS shares what you’ll learn in your first 90 days and how we support trainees. (Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are — Northstone Build (Manchester)
Northstone Build is a regional housebuilder delivering design-led, energy-efficient neighborhoods across the North West. We currently have a pipeline of 1,200+ homes in planning and delivery, and we’re known for our quality standards, community engagement, and practical innovation on site.
Your Impact
You’ll support our commercial team to keep projects on budget and on schedule—learning the full QS toolkit while contributing to real builds from week one.
What You’ll Do
- Assist with take-offs, BOQs, and tender comparisons
- Help track costs: POs, invoices, valuations, and variations
- Support subcontract procurement and contract admin (JCT)
- Join site visits, progress meetings, and measurement exercises
- Prepare reports and learn to forecast cashflow and risk
What We’re Looking For
- Degree (or working toward) in QS/Commercial/Construction OR relevant experience
- Strong numeracy, Excel skills, and attention to detail
- Clear communicator who’s proactive and keen to learn
- Full UK driving licence (site travel may be required)
Perks & Benefits
- Funded RICS student membership + paid study days
- £1,000 annual training budget + internal mentorship program
- 24 days annual leave + bank holidays
- PPE, laptop, and tools provided + mileage reimbursement
- Employee assistance program + on-site training workshops
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Learn while you earn with hands-on exposure to live residential sites
- Clear path from Trainee → Assistant QS → QS within 18–30 months
- Supportive team that celebrates growth, not just experience
- Meaningful projects that improve local communities
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen (short, fair skills evaluation included): (insert WorkScreen apply link)
We respond to all applicants and share clear next steps.
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Breakdown of Why These Quantity Surveyor Job Posts Work
✅ Job Description Example 1: Senior Quantity Surveyor — Why It Works
- Clear & Specific Title
- Instead of just “Quantity Surveyor,” the title specifies “Senior Quantity Surveyor — Commercial Projects”. This tells candidates exactly what level the role is, what type of projects they’ll work on, and filters for the right audience.
- Instead of just “Quantity Surveyor,” the title specifies “Senior Quantity Surveyor — Commercial Projects”. This tells candidates exactly what level the role is, what type of projects they’ll work on, and filters for the right audience.
- Personal Touch with Video
- Adding a 90-second video from the Commercial Director makes the post feel human and engaging. Candidates can see and hear from a leader they might report to, which builds trust and connection.
- Adding a 90-second video from the Commercial Director makes the post feel human and engaging. Candidates can see and hear from a leader they might report to, which builds trust and connection.
- Company Context That Inspires
- The About Us section is not generic—it names real projects, scale of work, and future pipeline. This shows the company’s impact and gives candidates a reason to get excited.
- The About Us section is not generic—it names real projects, scale of work, and future pipeline. This shows the company’s impact and gives candidates a reason to get excited.
- Impact-Driven Role Description
- Instead of a dry “you will do cost planning,” it frames the role as “you’ll be the commercial lead on flagship projects.” It gives meaning to the day-to-day tasks.
- Instead of a dry “you will do cost planning,” it frames the role as “you’ll be the commercial lead on flagship projects.” It gives meaning to the day-to-day tasks.
- Separation of Perks vs. Why the Role Fits
- The Perks & Benefits section lists tangible rewards (salary, bonus, medical, pension, leave).
- The Why This Role Is a Great Fit section highlights career growth, autonomy, and influence—intangibles that appeal to ambitious QS professionals.
- The Perks & Benefits section lists tangible rewards (salary, bonus, medical, pension, leave).
- Respectful Application Process
- The post emphasizes timely responses, a WorkScreen evaluation (skills-first, fair process), and clarity. This shows candidates they won’t be ghosted or left hanging.
- The post emphasizes timely responses, a WorkScreen evaluation (skills-first, fair process), and clarity. This shows candidates they won’t be ghosted or left hanging.
✅ Job Description Example 2: Trainee Quantity Surveyor — Why It Works
- Welcoming, Aspirational Title
- “Trainee Quantity Surveyor — Residential Developments” is clear, entry-level friendly, and sets expectations upfront. It attracts candidates who are eager to start their career journey.
- “Trainee Quantity Surveyor — Residential Developments” is clear, entry-level friendly, and sets expectations upfront. It attracts candidates who are eager to start their career journey.
- Video from Mentor, Not Just Manager
- A video from a Senior QS explaining what the trainee will learn personalizes the experience. It makes the opportunity approachable and less intimidating.
- A video from a Senior QS explaining what the trainee will learn personalizes the experience. It makes the opportunity approachable and less intimidating.
- Company Identity Is Clear
- The About Us section doesn’t just say “we build homes.” It highlights 1,200+ homes in pipeline, focus on design-led sustainability, and community impact. This appeals to candidates who want more than just a paycheck—they want purpose.
- The About Us section doesn’t just say “we build homes.” It highlights 1,200+ homes in pipeline, focus on design-led sustainability, and community impact. This appeals to candidates who want more than just a paycheck—they want purpose.
- Supportive Role Framing
- Tasks are presented as learning opportunities: “assist with take-offs,” “help track costs,” “join site visits.” This tells candidates they’ll grow into the role rather than being overwhelmed.
- Tasks are presented as learning opportunities: “assist with take-offs,” “help track costs,” “join site visits.” This tells candidates they’ll grow into the role rather than being overwhelmed.
- Balanced Requirements
- By stating that a degree OR relevant experience is acceptable, the post is inclusive. It also emphasizes attitude (“keen to learn”) over perfect credentials, encouraging more applicants.
- By stating that a degree OR relevant experience is acceptable, the post is inclusive. It also emphasizes attitude (“keen to learn”) over perfect credentials, encouraging more applicants.
- Perks & Growth Path Are Transparent
- Training budget, RICS membership, study days, and mentorship are spelled out. This shows investment in professional development.
- The Why This Role Is a Great Fit section explains the clear career ladder, so candidates can envision their future with the company.
- Training budget, RICS membership, study days, and mentorship are spelled out. This shows investment in professional development.
🎯 The Common Thread
Both job posts:
- Use human tone instead of corporate jargon.
- Include salary ranges for transparency.
- Show company culture and mission.
- Make the application process respectful and clear.
- Balance the “transactional” (perks, pay, benefits) with the “emotional” (growth, mission, culture).
That’s what makes them powerful—they don’t just describe a job; they sell an opportunity.
Example of a Bad Quantity Surveyor Job Description (And Why It Fails)
❌ Bad Job Post Example
📌 Job Title: Quantity Surveyor
📍 Location: UK
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
Company Overview
We are a construction company looking to hire a Quantity Surveyor to help manage costs and contracts for our projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare cost estimates
- Monitor budgets
- Handle contracts and tender documents
- Manage project costs and invoices
- Liaise with stakeholders
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying or related field
- 3+ years of experience in construction
- Knowledge of contracts and cost management software
- Good communication skills
Salary & Benefits
Competitive salary, negotiable based on experience.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email their CV to careers@company.com. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Fails
- Generic Job Title
- Just “Quantity Surveyor.” No level (junior/senior/trainee), no project type, no location context. It could apply to any company, anywhere.
- Just “Quantity Surveyor.” No level (junior/senior/trainee), no project type, no location context. It could apply to any company, anywhere.
- Bland Company Overview
- “We are a construction company” tells candidates nothing about the projects, culture, or mission. It feels lazy and uninspiring.
- “We are a construction company” tells candidates nothing about the projects, culture, or mission. It feels lazy and uninspiring.
- Responsibilities Are Too Vague
- “Prepare cost estimates” or “manage project costs” are obvious QS tasks, but they’re written in a way that could be copied from a textbook. No context, no impact, no sense of why it matters.
- “Prepare cost estimates” or “manage project costs” are obvious QS tasks, but they’re written in a way that could be copied from a textbook. No context, no impact, no sense of why it matters.
- No Salary Transparency
- “Competitive salary” is meaningless. Top candidates expect real ranges—it shows respect and builds trust.
- “Competitive salary” is meaningless. Top candidates expect real ranges—it shows respect and builds trust.
- No Perks or Benefits Listed
- Aside from “negotiable salary,” there’s nothing about healthcare, training, growth opportunities, or leave. This makes the role feel transactional and unattractive.
- Aside from “negotiable salary,” there’s nothing about healthcare, training, growth opportunities, or leave. This makes the role feel transactional and unattractive.
- Hiring Process Feels Cold
- “Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted” is a huge turn-off. It signals that the company doesn’t value candidates’ time or effort.
- “Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted” is a huge turn-off. It signals that the company doesn’t value candidates’ time or effort.
- Zero Personality
- The language is flat, corporate, and lifeless. There’s no attempt to connect with the reader, inspire interest, or differentiate the company.
- The language is flat, corporate, and lifeless. There’s no attempt to connect with the reader, inspire interest, or differentiate the company.
👉 The result? The best candidates—those with options—scroll past this kind of post. It may attract applications, but not from the people you really want.
Bonus Tips to Make Your QS Job Post Stand Out
Even with a strong structure, you can take your Quantity Surveyor job description from good to great with a few extra touches:
🔒 1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Show candidates that you take their trust seriously. It reassures them that the application process is safe and professional.
💡 Example:
“We take the security and privacy of all job applicants very seriously. We will never request payment, bank details, or sensitive personal financial information during any part of our hiring process.”
🌴 2. Mention Leave & Flexibility
While salary matters, time off is just as important for today’s candidates. Highlighting annual leave, flex days, or hybrid policies makes your post more attractive.
💡 Example:
“Enjoy 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays — with the option to buy or sell an extra 5 days per year to suit your lifestyle.”
📈 3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Quantity Surveyors often want to climb the career ladder toward Commercial Manager or Project Director roles. Make it clear you’ll invest in them.
💡 Example:
“We fund RICS membership, exam fees, and CPD courses, and provide mentorship from senior surveyors to help you progress quickly.”
🎥 4. Add a Video Element
A 60–90 second Loom or YouTube video from the Hiring Manager or Senior QS can transform your job post. It adds personality, gives candidates a face behind the brand, and sets you apart.
💡 Example:
“Watch a quick message from our Commercial Director, explaining what makes this role exciting and how you’ll fit into our projects.”
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
🤝 5. Show Candidate Respect in the Hiring Process
Bad hiring experiences are one of the top frustrations for candidates. A simple statement like “we reply to every application within two weeks” immediately sets a positive tone.
💡 Example:
“We respect the time you put into applying. That’s why we review every application and guarantee a response within 10 business days.”
📍 6. Localize Your Role
For Quantity Surveyors, location matters—a QS in central London faces very different challenges than one in regional housing. Mentioning specific projects, sectors, or regions makes the role more relatable and appealing.
💡 Example:
“You’ll be working on a £30M residential regeneration project in Manchester’s city centre — a flagship scheme that blends heritage architecture with modern design.”
👉 These bonus touches not only attract better candidates but also help build your employer brand. They show you’re thoughtful, transparent, and genuinely care about the people applying.
AI Caution: Why You Shouldn’t Let AI Write Your Job Post for You
With tools like ChatGPT becoming mainstream, it’s tempting to type:
“Write me a Quantity Surveyor job description.”
And within seconds — boom — you’ll get a wall of text with responsibilities, qualifications, and duties.
But here’s the problem:
- It’s Generic. You’ll end up with the same copy every other company using AI gets.
- It Attracts the Wrong Candidates. Generic posts attract volume, not quality. The best Quantity Surveyors want to see context, projects, and culture — not filler.
- It Damages Your Brand. A job description is often a candidate’s first impression. If it feels copy-pasted, it sends the message that you’re not serious about hiring.
✅ The Smarter Way to Use AI
AI is a great assistant, but it shouldn’t replace your input.
Think of it like scaffolding: it supports you, but you still need the blueprint.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Feed AI the Raw Ingredients
- Your company details (sector, projects, values)
- The role context (senior/trainee, residential/commercial)
- Your tone (professional, conversational, mission-driven)
- Your perks & benefits
- Your company details (sector, projects, values)
- Prompt With Structure
💡 Example prompt:
“Help me write a job description for a Senior Quantity Surveyor at Crestfield Construction, a London-based contractor. We’re hiring for commercial projects (£25M–£60M). The role involves NEC/JCT contracts, leading procurement, and mentoring juniors. Our culture is collaborative and data-driven. Salary is £55K–£70K + bonus, hybrid work, and RICS training budget. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes]. Please use a professional yet conversational tone.” - Polish and Humanize
- Add project details and personal touches (like a Loom video).
- Separate perks vs. “why this role matters.”
- Insert company values and hiring-process transparency.
- Add project details and personal touches (like a Loom video).
🚫 Wrong Way vs ✅ Right Way
- 🚫 Wrong: “Write me a QS job description.”
→ Output: generic duties, vague qualifications, lifeless tone. - ✅ Right: “Here’s who we are, here’s the role, here’s what we value. Now polish this into a compelling job description.”
→ Output: role-specific, culture-driven, and tailored to your brand.
👉 Bottom line: AI should amplify your message, not replace it.
Use it to speed up drafting, but always inject your company’s mission, values, and real-world details to make the post stand out.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Copy-Paste Job Description Templates for Quick Use
We get it—sometimes you don’t have hours to craft the perfect job post.
Maybe you’ve already read through this guide and know what makes a strong description, but you just need a solid starting point you can copy, paste, and tailor to your company in minutes.
That’s what this section is for.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: Quantity Surveyor — Building Projects That Matter
📍 Location: [Insert City] | [Onsite/Hybrid]
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary: [Insert Range]
🎥 Meet the Hiring Manager
Watch a quick video from our Commercial Lead to get a feel for the team you’ll join. (Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are
At [Company Name], we don’t just build structures—we build communities, careers, and lasting impact. From [specific project example] to [another project example], our mission is to deliver projects that combine quality, efficiency, and innovation.
Your Impact
As a Quantity Surveyor, you’ll be the financial guide of our projects—ensuring budgets are realistic, contracts are fair, and work runs smoothly without surprises.
What You’ll Do
- Lead or support cost planning and estimation
- Prepare tenders, contracts, and variations
- Monitor budgets, risks, and project performance
- Liaise with contractors, clients, and internal teams
- Provide regular financial updates to leadership
What We’re Looking For
- A degree in Quantity Surveying/Construction Management (or experience in cost management)
- Strong attention to detail and numeracy skills
- Excellent communication and negotiation ability
- Experience with [JCT/NEC or relevant contracts] preferred
Perks & Benefits
- [Insert leave policy]
- [Insert pension/bonus/medical benefits]
- [Insert CPD or training budget]
- [Insert flexible work/hybrid perks]
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Work on projects that directly shape communities
- Join a supportive, growth-focused commercial team
- Clear progression path and funded RICS support
- Be part of a company that values fairness, respect, and collaboration
📥 Apply via WorkScreen (insert link) — where we evaluate based on skills, not just CVs.
✅ Option 2: Structured Format (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
📌 Job Title: Quantity Surveyor
📍 Location: [Insert Location]
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary: [Insert Salary Range]
Job Brief
We are seeking a Quantity Surveyor to manage costs and contracts for [commercial/residential] projects. You will be responsible for budget control, tendering, and ensuring value for money while maintaining high quality standards.
Responsibilities
- Prepare cost estimates, budgets, and bills of quantities
- Manage contracts, tenders, and subcontractor agreements
- Track project costs, payments, and forecasts
- Conduct risk analysis and value engineering exercises
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and architects
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying or related field
- years of experience in [commercial/residential/sector-specific] projects
- Knowledge of [JCT/NEC contracts or relevant frameworks]
- Proficiency in cost management software (e.g., Candy, CostX, Excel)
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Perks & Benefits
- [Insert benefits: healthcare, pension, leave policy]
- [Insert bonus or performance incentives]
- [Insert professional development support, e.g., RICS fees paid]
Why Join Us
At [Company Name], you’ll be part of a collaborative team that values precision, transparency, and growth. Whether you’re working on high-profile commercial projects or community housing, you’ll have the tools, mentorship, and autonomy to grow your career.
How to Apply
Apply now via WorkScreen (insert link). We review every application carefully and respond within [X] days.
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step of Hiring
Writing a compelling job description is just the first step.
The real challenge begins once the applications start rolling in.
How do you quickly spot the candidates who are genuinely qualified, and avoid wasting time on low-effort applicants? That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
Here’s how WorkScreen helps you hire smarter:
- 🔎 Quickly Identify Top Talent
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
- ⚡ One-Click Skill Testing
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
- 🛡️ Eliminate Low-Effort Applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
- 📊 Data-Driven Hiring Decisions
Every applicant’s performance is tracked and scored. You get clear, actionable insights that help you hire with confidence — not just on gut feeling.
👉 In short: Write a great job post, then let WorkScreen handle the rest.
It’s the easiest way to move from attracting candidates to hiring the right ones.
💡 Check it out today:
and start making your hiring process faster, fairer, and smarter.
Frequently Asked Questions - Quantity Surveyor Job Description
A strong Quantity Surveyor needs more than just technical knowledge. Look for a blend of:
- Numerical and analytical skills — essential for accurate budgeting and cost control.
- Contract knowledge — familiarity with JCT, NEC, or FIDIC frameworks.
- Negotiation and communication — they must liaise effectively with contractors, clients, and engineers.
- Attention to detail — spotting small changes or errors can save thousands on a project.
- Problem-solving and adaptability — construction projects often shift, so your QS should be proactive and solution-driven.
- Tech-savviness — comfort with cost management software (e.g., CostX, Candy, Excel) is increasingly important.
The average salary depends on experience, sector, and location. In the UK:
- Entry-Level / Trainee QS: £22,000–£28,000 per year
- Mid-Level QS (3–5 years): £35,000–£50,000 per year
- Senior QS: £55,000–£70,000+ per year
- Commercial Managers/Directors: £80,000–£100,000+ per year
In markets like the Middle East or Australia, salaries can be higher due to demand and large-scale infrastructure projects.
A Cost Estimator typically focuses on the initial pricing and tender stage of a project, while a Quantity Surveyor manages costs throughout the project lifecycle — from pre-construction estimates to final accounts. QSs often take on broader commercial responsibilities like contract management and risk analysis.
Not always. You can work as a QS without being chartered, but becoming a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors significantly boosts credibility, career prospects, and earning potential. Many employers support staff through this process.
