Quantity Surveyor

How to become a Quantity Surveyor

What does a Quantity Surveyor do?

A Quantity Surveyor (QS) is a professional within the Construction & Built Environment industry, responsible for managing the financial and contractual aspects of construction projects.

Their core responsibility is to carefully estimate costs & calculate materials.

This is a role that most construction firms in NI will have a need for, both as full-time employed by the company and on a consultancy basis.

What are useful skills to have?

  • Communication

  • Numeracy

  • Critical Thinking

  • Attention to Detail

  • Analytical Thinking

What are the Salary Expectations?

QS Apprentice: Minimum wage

QS 1-4 years: Up to £31k

QS 5-9 years: Up to £50k

QS 10+ years: £55k plus

Commercial Manager: £50k - £70k

Contracts Manager: £50k - £70k

Projects Manager: £50k - £80k

Director of Commercial: €90k

What are the education routes?

Level 5

Foundation Degree:

Southern Regional College: (Newry) (Accredited by the Open University)

Construction (QS) - 3 Years
Construction (QS) HLA - 3 Years

Level 6

Bachelors Degree / 3-5 years / Fees apply

  • Ulster University / Belfast
    BSc (Hons) 4 Years full-time
    BSc (Hons) 5 Years part-time
    BSc (Hons) HLA - 5 Years

As a trainee, assistant or junior quantity surveyor, you could work towards chartered status.

This would widen your career options and help you earn a higher salary.

To qualify for chartered quantity surveyor status, you will need at least two years' relevant work experience.