How to Get a Job in Quantity Surveying and Climb the Career Ladder

Quantity surveyors are the unsung heroes of the engineering world, ensuring projects meet deadlines and budgets. With the UK government driving high-level infrastructure projects, demand for these experts is rising. Here’s how to break into this field and map out your career progression.

The Three Key Stages in a Surveying Career

A typical career spans three main stages: Graduate/Junior, Mid-Level/Senior, and Managing/Commercial Manager. Let’s explore what each stage entails, the experience needed, and the opportunities available.

Graduate/Junior Level

At this stage, professionals gain hands-on experience across diverse projects, managing contracts, cost forecasting, and profit monitoring. The sector you work in will influence your daily tasks, but expect exposure to procurement, budgeting, and project administration.

Experience and Education Needed

• A surveying degree or degree apprenticeship accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is ideal.
• Postgraduate conversion courses accredited by RICS provide an alternative route.
• Degrees in mathematics, engineering, or economics enhance prospects.
• Employers highly value practical industry experience and strong communication skills.

Salary Potential

 £20,000 – £30,000

Mid-Level/Senior Roles

At this stage, professionals take on full responsibility, managing major commercial projects and potentially specializing in sectors such as highways, construction, or water. Mentoring junior colleagues becomes part of the role, reflecting growing expertise.

Experience Needed

• Typically 5+ years of industry experience.
• Completing the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) is essential for progression toward chartered status.
• Achieving Chartered Quantity Surveyor status boosts credibility and can increase salary by around £6,000.

Salary Potential

 £30,000 – £55,000

Managing/Commercial Manager

This senior position manages entire project portfolios, ensures teams meet deadlines and budgets, and leads stakeholders.

Experience Needed

• Around ten years in commercial roles.
• Extensive sector knowledge and strong stakeholder communication skills are essential.

Salary Potential

 £50,000 – £70,000

Job Prospects and Market Demand

The UK’s infrastructure boom is creating significant opportunities for surveying professionals. RICS surveys show rising workloads, with 22% of respondents noting increased demand. Government targets, such as building 300,000 new homes per year, highlight the need for skilled experts in this field.

Oliver Behrendt, Lead Consultant, explains:

 "The market is thirsty for experts. With an expanding infrastructure agenda, professionals in this field are more crucial than ever."

A looming skills shortage makes now an ideal time to advance your career and benefit from competitive salaries.

Ready to explore your next opportunity? Browse current roles today and take your career to the next level.