what is a quantity surveyor?

Quantity surveyors are responsible for managing a construction project's finances and maintaining contractual relationships. You provide reports on the financial side of a project, ensuring that the organisation you are consulting for is getting good value for money. You also ensure that any construction plans are of a high standard and provide additional protection by double-checking that all appropriate legislation and regulations are followed. Your role continues throughout the project.

During your duties, you work with a range of professionals in construction, including architects and civil engineers. You liaise with the people designing the project to ensure things remain within budget and to a high enough standard. You also spend a lot of time on the site where the construction is happening. That means you also have a sound grasp of health and safety protocols for working in such a setting.

Do you enjoy financial planning and using your numerical skills daily and think that quantity surveyor might be the job for you? If so, keep reading to find out what qualifications and competencies are needed to thrive in this profession.

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average salary of a quantity surveyor

The average salary of a quantity surveyor in India is varied and largely determined by experience. Entry-level positions can expect to earn somewhere in the region of ₹250,000 per year, which would apply to anyone with less than a year's experience in the profession. At the other end of the scale, the most experienced quantity surveyors with 20 years or more experience can earn as much as ₹10,00,000 per year. According to Payscale, the average salary for a quantity surveyor in India is ₹396,413.

factors that affect quantity surveyor's pay

The most significant factor in your potential salary in this profession is your experience level. The difference between entry-level positions and highly-experienced quantity surveyors can be as much as ₹750,000 per year, so time served is an unavoidable reality of this profession. Another factor is location. Some regions boast higher average salaries for this profession than others. As an example, quantity surveyors in Thane, Maharashtra, are typically paid ₹2,00,000 per year more than their counterparts in Delhi.

 

 

quantity surveyor jobs
quantity surveyor jobs
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types of quantity surveyor

Different quantity surveyor types are mostly determined by who is employing them. Below are the main types of this role available to you:

  • contractor's quantity surveyor: when contractors bring in a quantity surveyor, they aim to prepare cost estimates and manage construction budgets. The contractor outsources this aspect of the job to the surveyor.
  • project quantity surveyor: when engaged as a project quantity surveyor, you keep track of project costs and carry out reviews when the project is complete.
  • client's quantity surveyor: in this role, you act in a consultancy capacity for a client. You assist them in determining budgets, creating financial plans, and keeping them updated with the project's progress.
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working as a quantity surveyor

In your role as a quantity surveyor, you have a number of responsibilities that may change depending on the type of project you are working on or the type of role you are filling. Some of the more common responsibilities are explored in more depth below.

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education and skills

There is essentially only one path to becoming a quantity surveyor, though there are options for how you travel that path. In almost all cases, it is necessary to have a degree in quantity surveying. A bachelor's degree will be enough to get you into the profession, though a master's degree will increase your chances of being hired and raise your potential salary.

skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of a quantity surveyor include:

  • communication skills: a large part of your job involves dealing with suppliers, construction personnel, colleagues, or the people you report to. You use your excellent communication skills to ensure these interactions go smoothly.
  • negotiation skills: getting the best deals on materials and other resources will require negotiation skills, which you use regularly.
  • computer skills: much of your work is done on a computer using the appropriate software. A solid grounding in the use of computers is necessary to handle this fundamental aspect of the role.
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FAQs about working as a quantity surveyor

FAQs about working as an quantity surveyor:

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