Quantity Surveyor
Manage construction costs, budgets and contracts from early planning through to project completion.
What They Do
Quantity Surveyors manage and monitor the cost of construction projects.
They study architectural and engineering drawings, estimate labour and material costs, prepare cost plans, assess tenders and monitor spending as projects progress.
When designs change, Quantity Surveyors calculate the financial effect, assess contractor claims and negotiate variations. They can work for construction companies, consultancies, developers, government organisations or major infrastructure projects.
Who This Career Suits
Quantity surveying suits people who like construction but also enjoy numbers, analysis and commercial decision-making.
It can be particularly appealing to someone who enjoys the building industry but does not necessarily want to spend their entire career performing physical site work.
Attention to detail is important because relatively small changes to quantities, contracts or designs can have major financial effects on large projects.
Key Skills
Analytical Thinking, Financial Analysis, Attention to Detail, Negotiation, Commercial Awareness, Problem Solving, Communication, Project Management
Work Environment
Office, Construction Site, Client Sites, Team-Based
Education & Training
The most common pathway is a university qualification in quantity surveying, construction management, construction economics or a closely related built-environment discipline.
The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors accredits undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications that meet the academic requirements for entry to the profession. Current accredited Australian programs include degrees at universities such as UNSW, UTS, Western Sydney University, QUT, RMIT, Deakin and Curtin. AIQS
Many courses combine construction technology, estimating, contracts, construction law, economics, project management and practical industry experience.
Career Changer Pathway
Quantity surveying can be a logical career change for people already working in construction.
Construction Estimators, Contract Administrators, Builders, Engineers, Site Supervisors and other construction professionals may already possess valuable industry knowledge.
People from accounting, finance or project management may also bring useful commercial skills but generally need to develop stronger knowledge of construction methods, measurement and contracts.
Early Career
Graduate Quantity Surveyors commonly assist with measurements, estimates, tender documents, cost plans and project reporting.
They learn how construction contracts operate and develop experience evaluating costs across real projects.
Mid Career
Experienced Quantity Surveyors manage project budgets more independently and work directly with clients, builders and consultants.
They may prepare major estimates, negotiate variations, manage contractor claims and provide commercial advice throughout a project's lifecycle.
Senior / Veteran Career
Senior Quantity Surveyors can progress into roles such as Senior Quantity Surveyor, Commercial Manager, Cost Manager or Associate Director.
Experienced professionals may become consultants, work on major infrastructure programs or establish their own quantity-surveying practices.
AIQS also offers the Certified Quantity Surveyor (CQS) professional designation for experienced professionals meeting its education, experience and competency requirements.
Salary Guide
Early Career
85000
Mid Career
120000
Senior / Veteran
155000
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Salary data source:
Jobs and Skills Australia / ABS
Salary data source URL:
Date :
6 October 2026 at 12:00:00 am
Career Outlook
The longer-term demand picture is strong.
Quantity Surveyor was identified by JSA as being in persistent shortage across the 2021–2024 period, and industry consultation has highlighted shortages across different levels of the profession as infrastructure and private development increase demand. Jobs and Skills Australia
The occupation is also directly relevant to Australia's continuing housing, infrastructure and construction pipeline.
Job Outlook :
Outlook Source :
Strong
Where do I go from here?
Explore Training
Find courses, qualifications and training pathways for this career.
Explore Jobs
See current opportunities and understand what employers are looking for.
Similar Careers
Discover other careers that use similar skills and interests.