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Quantity Surveyor Jobs in the UK: Your Complete Career Guide to Landing Top Opportunities in 2025
Are you seeking quantity surveyor jobs in the UK? The construction and consultancy sectors offer exceptional career prospects for skilled quantity surveying professionals. Whether you’re an experienced chartered quantity surveyor or exploring trainee quantity surveyor roles, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the competitive landscape and secure your ideal position. Explore your perfect quantity surveyor job today!
Understanding Quantity Surveyor Jobs in the UK Market
Quantity surveyor jobs remain amongst the most sought-after positions in the UK’s construction and consultancy sectors. The industry continues to experience robust growth, driving demand for qualified quantity surveyors who can deliver accurate cost management and procurement strategies across complex projects.
What Does a Quantity Surveyor Do?
Quantity surveyors are the financial guardians of construction projects, overseeing every aspect of cost management from initial feasibility through to final account settlement. Their responsibilities include:
- Cost Planning and Estimation: Developing comprehensive cost estimates, bills of quantities and budget forecasts based on architectural and engineering drawings
- Procurement Management: Managing tender processes, contractor selection and negotiating competitive rates whilst maintaining quality standards
- Contract Administration: Overseeing contractual relationships between clients, contractors and suppliers, ensuring compliance with terms and conditions
- Value Engineering: Identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or functionality
- Risk Management: Assessing financial risks and implementing mitigation strategies to protect project budgets
- Variation Management: Evaluating and costing changes to project scope, ensuring accurate documentation and approval processes
- Final Account Settlement: Preparing and agreeing final accounts with contractors and subcontractors
Quantity Surveyor Salary Guidelines Across the UK – 2025
Understanding salary expectations is crucial when exploring quantity surveyor jobs. Based on our comprehensive 2025 salary survey, here’s what quantity surveyors can expect to earn across different UK regions. For a comprehensive breakdown of salary bandings across various roles and regions in the UK construction industry, click here for your free copy of our Salary Bandings Document.
Consultancy Quantity Surveyor Salaries
Trainee/Assistant Quantity Surveyor (Year 1)
- East Midlands/West Midlands: £20,000 – £22,000
- Yorkshire/North West: £18,000 – £22,000
- South: £25,000 – £28,000
- Benefits: 3% pension contribution
Assistant Quantity Surveyor
- East Midlands/West Midlands/Yorkshire/North West: £27,000 – £37,000
- South: £35,000 – £40,000
- Benefits: Car allowance (circa £3k), 3% pension, healthcare, bonus
Quantity Surveyor – Working Towards APC
- East Midlands/West Midlands/Yorkshire/North West: £37,000 – £45,000
- ·South: £40,000 – £50,000
- Benefits: Car allowance (circa £3k), 3-5% pension, healthcare, bonus
Chartered Quantity Surveyor
- East Midlands/West Midlands/Yorkshire/North West: £45,000 – £55,000
- South: £50,000 – £65,000
- Benefits: Car allowance (circa £4k), 4-6% pension, healthcare, bonus
Senior Quantity Surveyor
- East Midlands/West Midlands: £50,000 – £60,000
- Yorkshire: £47,000 – £65,000
- North West: £45,000 – £65,000
- South: £60,000 – £70,000
- Benefits: Car allowance (circa £5k), 5-7% pension, healthcare, bonus
Associate Director
- East Midlands/West Midlands/Yorkshire/North West: £65,000 – £85,000
- South: £75,000 – £90,000
- Benefits: Car allowance (circa £6k-£8k), 8%+ pension, healthcare, bonus
Director
- East Midlands/West Midlands/Yorkshire/North West: £80,000 – £100,000
- South: £90,000 – £120,000
- Benefits: Car allowance (circa £7k-£9k), 8%+ pension, healthcare, bonus
Senior Director/Partner
- All regions: £100,000+
- South: £120,000+
- Benefits: Car allowance (circa £9k+), 8%+ pension, healthcare, bonus
Construction Quantity Surveyor Salaries
Graduate/Trainee Quantity Surveyor
- East Midlands: £18,000 – £28,000
- West Midlands: £20,000 – £32,000
- Benefits: 3% pension, bonus
Assistant Quantity Surveyor
- East Midlands: £28,000 – £45,000
- West Midlands: £33,000 – £48,000
- Benefits: Car allowance (circa £2k-£4k), 3% pension, bonus
Quantity Surveyor
- East Midlands: £50,000 – £58,000
- West Midlands: £55,000 – £60,000
- Benefits: Car allowance (circa £5k-£6k), 5% pension, bonus
Senior Quantity Surveyor
- East Midlands: £60,000 – £75,000
- West Midlands: £63,000 – £77,000
- Benefits: Car allowance (circa £5k-£6k), 5% pension, healthcare, bonus
Managing Quantity Surveyor
- East Midlands: £75,000 – £84,000
- West Midlands: £77,000 – £85,000
- Benefits: Car allowance (circa £6k-£7k), 5% pension, healthcare, bonus
Commercial Manager
- East Midlands and West Midlands: £85,000 – £95,000
- Benefits: Car allowance (circa £8k), 8% pension, healthcare, bonus
Commercial Director
- East Midlands and West Midlands £100,000 – £130,000
- Benefits: Car allowance (circa £8k-£10k), 8%+ pension, healthcare, bonus
Essential Skills for Quantity Surveyor Jobs
Successful quantity surveyors possess a unique combination of technical knowledge and commercial acumen. Here are the key competencies employers seek:
Technical Skills
- Cost Management Software: Proficiency in tools like Causeway, Conquest, CATO and Excel for cost planning and analysis
- Measurement and Quantification: Accurate take-off skills using traditional methods and digital tools
- Contract Knowledge: Understanding of JCT, NEC, FIDIC and other standard forms of contract
- Building Technology: Knowledge of construction methods, materials and modern building techniques
- Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with UK building regulations, CDM regulations and health & safety requirements
Commercial Skills
- Negotiation: Ability to negotiate competitive rates and resolve commercial disputes
- Financial Analysis: Understanding of cash flow, profit margins and project financials
- Risk Assessment: Capability to identify and quantify commercial risks
- Procurement Strategy: Knowledge of different procurement routes and their implications
Soft Skills
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reporting and presentations
- Attention to Detail: Precision in measurement, calculation, and documentation
- Problem-Solving: Ability to resolve complex commercial challenges quickly and efficiently
- Time Management: Capability to manage multiple projects and meet strict deadlines
Qualifications Required for Quantity Surveyor Jobs
The path to securing quantity surveyor jobs typically requires specific educational background and professional qualifications.
Academic Qualifications
Most employers prefer candidates with a degree:
- BSc/BEng in Quantity Surveying
- BSc in Construction Management or Commercial Management
- BSc in Civil Engineering with commercial focus
- Building/Construction-related degrees with quantity surveying modules
Alternative Pathways:
- HND/HNC in Construction or Quantity Surveying
- Apprenticeships in quantity surveying or construction
- Graduate conversion programmes
Professional Qualifications
Additional Certifications:
- CSCS Card for site access
- First Aid certification
- Health & Safety qualifications (IOSH, NEBOSH)
Types of Quantity Surveyor Jobs Available
The quantity surveying profession offers diverse opportunities across different sectors.
Construction Quantity Surveyor Jobs
Quantity surveyor jobs in construction encompass a comprehensive range of responsibilities throughout a project’s entire lifecycle, with a primary focus on meticulous cost management. From project inception, quantity surveyors prepare detailed cost estimates and bills of quantities based on architectural and engineering specifications. These quantity surveyor jobs involve assisting with material procurement and subcontractor services, managing tendering processes and negotiating competitive prices to secure optimal value.
Once construction commences, professionals in these quantity surveyor jobs monitor costs continuously, track variations, resolve disputes and maintain close liaison with clients and contractors to ensure work completion to high standards within established deadlines. Quantity surveyors add tremendous value to construction projects by ensuring smooth and successful completion through expert financial oversight.
Consultancy Quantity Surveyor Jobs
Quantity surveyor jobs within consultancy settings span construction projects of all scales, where professionals undertake diverse responsibilities to support successful project outcomes. These specialised quantity surveyor jobs feature comprehensive evaluation of proposed developments’ economic viability through detailed feasibility studies, whilst providing valuable insights into cost-effective design alternatives.
Throughout each construction phase, professionals in these roles monitor expenditure against budgets, identifying cost-saving opportunities and mitigating financial risks through close collaboration with architects, engineers and project managers. Their expertise in quantity surveying ensures construction projects remain on track, adhering to quality standards whilst maintaining strict cost efficiency.
Beyond financial management, quantity surveyor jobs in consultancy require advanced skills in dispute resolution and ensuring timely payment processes. Consultancy quantity surveyor jobs represent a skilful combination of financial acumen and technical expertise, delivering the rewarding outcome of successful project completion.
Career Progression in Quantity Surveying
Quantity surveyor jobs offer excellent career advancement opportunities:
Entry-Level Positions (0-2 years experience)
- Trainee Quantity Surveyor: Starting role for recent graduates
- Assistant Quantity Surveyor: Supporting senior team members with measurements and basic cost planning
- Graduate Quantity Surveyor: Structured development programme with mentoring
Mid-Level Roles (3-7 years experience)
- Quantity Surveyor: Full responsibility for cost management on small to medium projects
- Senior Quantity Surveyor: Leading cost planning on major projects and managing junior staff
- Principal Quantity Surveyor: Technical lead with specialist expertise
Senior Leadership (7+ years experience)
- Associate Director: Commercial oversight of multiple projects and client relationships
- Director: Strategic leadership of quantity surveying teams and business development
- Partner: Equity participation in consultancy practices
Alternative Career Paths
- Commercial Manager: Broader commercial role beyond pure quantity surveying
- Project Manager: Transition to overall project leadership
- Independent Consultant: Establishing own consultancy practice
- Academic Career: Teaching and research in higher education
Why Choose Atkins Search for Your Quantity Surveyor Job Search
As a leading recruitment agency specialising in quantity surveyor jobs, Atkins Search offers unparalleled expertise and service:
- Sector Knowledge: Deep understanding of quantity surveying requirements across all construction sectors
- Market Intelligence: Current salary trends and employment market conditions based on real data
- Career Guidance: Professional advice on career development and progression strategies
- Technical Understanding: Recruiters with strong understanding of quantity surveying who understand your skills
- Job Matching: Connecting candidates with suitable opportunities based on skills, experience and career aspirations
- Interview Preparation: Support throughout the recruitment process including technical interview coaching
- Salary Negotiation: Assistance in securing competitive compensation packages
- Ongoing Support: Continued relationship beyond job placement for career development
- Industry Connections: Strong relationships with top consultancies, contractors, and client organisations
- Hidden Opportunities: Access to unadvertised positions through exclusive client relationships
- Sector Diversity: Positions across all construction sectors and project types
Quantity Surveying Careers
Quantity surveyor jobs offer rewarding careers with excellent salary potential and diverse opportunities across the UK. The profession combines technical and commercial expertise, making it both challenging and financially rewarding.
Whether you’re seeking entry-level trainee positions or senior director roles, the quantity surveying profession provides clear career progression paths and competitive compensation packages. Our 2025 salary survey demonstrates the strong earning potential, with experienced professionals commanding salaries well in excess of £100,000.
The future of quantity surveying is bright, with emerging technologies, sustainable construction practices and complex procurement strategies creating new opportunities for skilled professionals. The UK construction industry’s projected growth of 251,500 additional workers needed by 2028 ensures strong demand for qualified quantity surveyors.
Start your journey today by exploring our available quantity surveyor jobs and taking the first step towards a rewarding career in this dynamic profession.
Alternatively, contact us and we will get back to you within 48 hours to discuss your career aspirations and match you with suitable opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quantity Surveyor Jobs
What qualifications to Quantity Surveyor need?
You typically need a degree in quantity surveying, construction management, or a related field. Professional RICS chartership is highly valued and often essential for senior roles. Many employers also consider relevant experience equivalent to formal qualifications, particularly for those with strong technical skills.
How much do quantity surveyors earn in the UK?
Quantity surveyor salaries vary significantly based on experience, location, and sector. Our 2025 survey shows trainee positions starting from £18,000-£28,000, while experienced chartered quantity surveyors earn £45,000-£75,000. Senior directors and partners can command salaries exceeding £120,000+ in London and the South.
What's the difference between consultancy and construction quantity surveyor jobs?
Consultancy quantity surveyors work for independent firms providing cost advice to multiple clients across various projects. Construction quantity surveyors work for contractors, managing costs and commercial aspects of specific construction projects. Consultancy roles often offer higher salaries but require broader technical knowledge.
What skills are most important for quantity surveyor jobs?
Essential skills include accurate measurement and quantification, cost planning and analysis, contract administration, and commercial negotiation. Technical proficiency in cost management software and strong attention to detail are crucial. Soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and time management are equally important.
Are there entry-level quantity surveyor jobs available?
Yes, many companies offer graduate programmes, apprenticeships, and trainee quantity surveyor positions. These roles typically involve supporting senior team members whilst gaining practical experience and working towards professional qualifications. Starting salaries range from £18,000-£35,000 depending on location and sector.
Which regions offer the best quantity surveyor job opportunities?
London and the South East offer the highest salaries but have higher living costs. The Midlands provides excellent opportunities with better work-life balance and competitive salaries. Yorkshire and the North West offer strong regional economies with good career prospects and affordable living costs.
How can I progress my career in quantity surveying?
Career progression typically follows trainee to assistant, then qualified quantity surveyor, senior roles, and eventually associate director or director positions. Achieving RICS chartership is crucial for advancement. Continuous professional development, gaining diverse project experience, and building strong professional networks accelerate career growth.
What types of projects do quantity surveyors work on?
Quantity surveyors work across all construction sectors including commercial offices, residential developments, infrastructure projects, healthcare and education facilities, industrial buildings, and specialist constructions. Each sector requires specific knowledge and offers different challenges and rewards.
Do I need experience to get quantity surveyor jobs?
While experience is preferred, many employers offer structured training programmes for graduates. Entry-level positions like assistant quantity surveyor or trainee roles are available for those starting their careers. Relevant work experience in construction or related fields is beneficial but not always essential.
What are the main challenges in quantity surveying?
Common challenges include managing complex contract negotiations, accurate cost forecasting in volatile markets, coordinating multiple stakeholders, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining profitability whilst delivering quality outcomes. Successful quantity surveyors develop strategies to anticipate and manage these challenges.
How do I find the best quantity surveyor jobs?
Working with specialist recruitment agencies like Atkins Search is highly effective. We have exclusive access to opportunities and deep industry expertise. Additionally, networking within professional bodies like RICS, maintaining an active LinkedIn profile, and building relationships with key industry contacts helps identify suitable positions.
What software skills are required for quantity surveyors?
Proficiency in cost management software like Conquest, CATO, Causeway, or CostX is essential. Knowledge of BIM software (Revit, Navisworks), CAD programmes, and advanced Excel skills are increasingly important. Familiarity with project management software and document management systems is also valuable.
Is there job security in quantity surveying?
Quantity surveying offers excellent job security due to consistent demand across all construction sectors. The profession is less susceptible to automation than many others, as it requires commercial judgement and relationship management skills. However, economic cycles can affect construction activity levels.
What career paths are available after quantity surveying?
Experienced quantity surveyors can progress to commercial manager, project manager, or director roles. Many establish independent consultancy practices or move to client-side positions with developers or public sector organisations. Some transition to related fields like project management, development, or construction law.
How important is RICS chartership for quantity surveyor jobs?
RICS chartership is crucial for career progression and is often essential for senior roles. It demonstrates professional competence and commitment to continuous development. Many employers prefer or require chartered status for positions above assistant level. The APC process provides valuable experience and recognition.
