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How to Become A Quantity Surveyor

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What is a Quantity Surveyor

A quantity surveyor (QS) is the person who keeps construction projects on budget and contracts fair. They manage costs from the first design drawings right through to the final bill. If you love numbers, problem-solving, and seeing buildings take shape, this career could be a great fit.

Day to day, a QS prepares cost estimates, reviews contractor bids, and monitors spending on site. They write reports, administer contracts, and flag any risks that could blow the budget. No two days are the same in this role. You could work on anything from apartment towers and hospitals to major road projects.

QS professionals work in consulting firms, construction companies, and government agencies. The role suits people who enjoy both office work and getting out on site. You will work with architects, engineers, project managers, and clients throughout your career.

The outlook for quantity surveyors in Australia is strong. Jobs and Skills Australia rates future demand for this occupation as strong. Around 3,500 QS professionals are employed nationally (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026). Salaries are competitive, with a median of around $118,000 a year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Browse quantity surveying courses on Career FAQs to get started.

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Career Outlook for Quantity Surveyor

The job market for quantity surveyors in Australia is solid and growing. Around 3,500 people work as QS professionals across the country (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026). The typical QS is 37 years old, and 87% work full-time at about 43 hours a week. Women make up 25% of the profession, a share that has been growing in recent years.

Future demand is rated as strong by yourcareer.gov.au. Australia’s infrastructure boom, housing targets, and major events like the Brisbane 2032 Olympics are driving steady work for QS professionals. Median earnings are around $118,000 a year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025), with experienced QS professionals earning over $150,000.

For those starting out, a career in quantity surveying offers clear progression. You can move from graduate QS to senior QS, then into commercial management or project management roles. AIQS membership builds credibility and opens doors to leadership opportunities. With strong demand and competitive pay, it is a great time to enter this profession.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to become a Quantity Surveyor

Step 1: Earn a bachelor degree in quantity surveying or construction management

Enrol in a bachelor degree in Quantity Surveying or Construction Management at an AIQS-accredited university. These programs take 3-4 years full-time and cover cost estimation, contract law, construction technology, and project management. AIQS accredits programs at universities including UNSW, Deakin, QUT, RMIT, UniSA, and Curtin. Check the current list at aiqs.com.au before you apply.

Step 2: Gain practical experience through a cadetship or graduate program

Apply for a cadetship or graduate program with a QS consulting firm or construction company. These programs run for 1-2 years and give hands-on exposure to cost estimation, tendering, and contract administration. Many firms recruit final-year students, so apply in the second half of your degree. The Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC50320) is also available at TAFE and RTOs in 1-2 years. It is a solid entry point for those not yet ready for a bachelor degree.

Step 3: Join AIQS as a Graduate or Associate Member

On completing your degree, apply for Graduate or Associate membership of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS). Membership connects you with the professional network, CPD resources, and industry events. It also starts your path toward Corporate Membership. Visit aiqs.com.au to check current membership requirements.

Step 4: Complete the AIQS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)

Work toward AIQS Corporate Membership (MAIQS CQS) by completing the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). This process takes 2-4 years after graduation. You must show competence across core QS skills under the guidance of an AIQS mentor. MAIQS CQS is the standard credential for senior QS roles. Visit aiqs.com.au for current APC guidelines and timelines.

Step 5: Maintain CPD and consider specialisation

As an AIQS member, complete annual CPD (Continuing Professional Development) to keep your membership current. CPD can include workshops, seminars, online courses, and industry events. As you gain experience, consider specialising in infrastructure, commercial property, fit-out, or dispute resolution. Specialisation can lead to senior consulting or commercial management roles with higher earning potential.

What does a Quantity Surveyor do?

A quantity surveyor’s day covers cost estimation, contract administration, and budget management. They prepare tender documents, assess bids from contractors, and track spending as a project progresses. They conduct site visits, write financial reports, and manage contract variations. Through all of this, they work closely with architects, engineers, and project managers. The goal is to keep every project on time and on budget.

Tasks

Quantity surveyors handle the financial and contractual side of construction projects from start to finish. They take on a range of tasks across every stage of a build.

  • Cost estimation: preparing detailed cost plans from drawings and specifications
  • Budget management: monitoring project costs and flagging any budget risks
  • Tender preparation: writing tender documents and evaluating contractor bids
  • Contract administration: managing contracts and handling variations and claims
  • Site visits: checking progress and quality against budget and schedule
  • Financial reporting: preparing cost reports and forecasts for clients and stakeholders
  • Risk management: spotting potential cost or contract risks early and planning responses
  • Collaboration: working with architects, engineers, and contractors throughout the build

Skills for Success

Quantity surveyors need a mix of number skills, construction knowledge, and people skills. Solid maths and analytical thinking help you build accurate cost plans and spot budget issues early. Clear communication lets you explain financial reports to clients, contractors, and engineers who may not be finance specialists. Attention to detail is vital, as small errors in a cost estimate can have big results on a real project.

You will also need a basic grasp of construction law and how contracts work. Most QS roles use specialist cost estimation and project management software, so being comfortable with technology helps. As you grow in the role, negotiation and problem-solving become more important. Staying up to date through AIQS professional development keeps your skills sharp as the industry changes.

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

Average Salaries

Quantity surveyors in Australia earn a median of around $118,000 a year. This comes from ABS 2021 Census data, as published by yourcareer.gov.au (2025). Graduate roles start at around $70,000 a year. Senior quantity surveyors can earn $160,000 or more. Pay varies with experience, location, and type of employer.

min $70 K

max $160 K

av $118 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
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.