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How to Become a Quantity Surveyor: Australian Careers in Engineering

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What is a Quantity Surveyor?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

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What is a Quantity Surveyor?

A quantity surveyor (QS) manages construction costs from the start of a project to its completion. They estimate budgets, prepare contracts, and keep a project on track financially. QS professionals work across commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects. They are a key part of any construction team.

From the first feasibility study, a QS prepares detailed cost plans. They assess tender bids, negotiate contracts, and monitor spending as work progresses. When designs change, they value the impact and advise on how to stay within budget. Strong QS advice can save a project from costly overruns.

QS roles exist on the client side, the consultant side, and within contracting firms. Some QS professionals move into project management or commercial management. Others specialise in infrastructure, fit-out, or dispute resolution. The skills are transferable and the career path is wide.

Australia’s construction pipeline is strong and demand for quantity surveyors is high. Jobs and Skills Australia rates future demand for this occupation as strong. Around 3,500 QS professionals are employed nationally (ABS Census, 2021). With the right degree and AIQS membership, this career offers solid long-term prospects. Find quantity surveying courses on CourseFinder to take the first step.

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Career snapshots For Quantity Surveyors

Quantity surveying is a well-established profession in the Australian construction industry. Around 3,500 people work as quantity surveyors across Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026). NSW employs the most, with 33%, followed by Victoria (24%) and Queensland (22%).

The median age of a working QS is 37 years. Around 87% work full-time, averaging 43 hours per week (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026). About 25% of the QS workforce is female, a share that continues to grow.

Future demand for quantity surveyors is rated as strong by yourcareer.gov.au. Median weekly earnings are $2,264, or around $118,000 a year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Over 60% of current QS professionals hold a bachelor degree, reflecting the degree-entry standard for the role (ABS Census, 2021).

What will I do?

A quantity surveyor (QS) manages costs and contracts from the start of a project to its close. They work at the feasibility, tender, construction, and final-account stages. Their job is to keep costs in check and contracts clear throughout the build.

  • Cost estimation: preparing detailed cost plans from drawings and specifications
  • Budget management: tracking project spend and flagging overruns early
  • Tender preparation: writing tender documents and assessing contractor bids
  • Contract administration: managing contracts and handling variations and claims
  • Site visits: checking progress and quality against budget and schedule
  • Final account settlement: preparing and negotiating final accounts at project completion
  • Risk management: spotting cost and contract risks and developing responses
  • Financial reporting: providing regular cost reports to clients and stakeholders

What skills do I need?

Quantity surveyors need strong number skills to build accurate cost plans and clear financial reports. Good clear talk is just as vital, since QS professionals work with clients, contractors, and engineers every day. A sharp eye for detail helps them catch errors in budgets and contracts before they cause problems on site.

Skills in cost estimation software and spreadsheets are expected in most roles. QS professionals also need a solid grasp of contract law and how buildings are built. As projects grow more complex, the ability to adapt and solve problems becomes key. Regular CPD through AIQS keeps skills in line with industry changes. Explore quantity surveying courses on CourseFinder to build these skills.

Skills/attributes

  • Cost estimation and budgeting
  • Contract administration and management
  • Analytical and numerical skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Construction knowledge (methods and materials)
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Negotiation
  • Risk identification and management
  • Project management
  • Proficiency in cost estimation software
  • Report writing
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Teamwork and stakeholder engagement

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.