Skip to main content
Careermash
CAREERMASH (EN)FROM ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING →

Quantity Surveyor

Quantity surveyors manage the money on building projects. They work out what things will cost, check that spending stays on track, and make sure the project finishes on time and within budget.

Quantity Surveyor

22

Architecture and Planning

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY22
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST67%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £34,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI exposure for this job is below 50 on our index, and the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.

The role

As a quantity surveyor, you are in charge of the money side of building projects. You work with architects, builders, and clients from the start of a project to the end. You work out what everything will cost - the materials, the workers, the equipment - then track the spending as the project goes on. If costs go over budget, you find out why and help get them back on track.

Your day involves working out cost estimates, looking at prices from different suppliers, and checking that the work on site matches what was planned and paid for. You also help negotiate contracts with builders and suppliers, and do site visits to see the work being done. You need to be good at maths and problem-solving, and able to explain numbers clearly to people who may not be used to budgets and contracts.

Daily responsibilities

  • Prepare detailed cost estimates and budgets for construction projects.
  • Conduct feasibility studies to assess project viability and financial implications.
  • Manage and negotiate contracts with suppliers and subcontractors.
  • Monitor project progress and expenditures, ensuring adherence to budget constraints.
  • Provide advice on procurement strategies and cost control measures.
  • Prepare tender documents and evaluate bids from contractors.
  • Conduct site visits to assess work progress and quality.
  • Collaborate with architects, engineers, and project managers to ensure alignment on project goals.

Does a degree help here?

A UK degree in quantity surveying or a related field provides candidates with a solid foundation in construction principles, cost management, and project management. UK universities are renowned for their industry connections and practical training, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.