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.
view rolesaverage 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.
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.
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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duties and responsibilities
The specific duties of a quantity surveyor include:
- examining structural drawings: part of your job involves studying blueprints to estimate project costs. That often involves working with architects to pool your collective areas of expertise and come up with the most economical design possible.
- estimating material costs: this is your primary responsibility as a quantity surveyor, which is sometimes referred to as a cost consultant. You provide accurate estimates of the costs of a given project. You also advise your clients on the most cost-effective options for materials used in the project.
- maintaining documentation: tracking the finances of a project involves a good deal of documentation. You ensure that all relevant records are maintained so that any required information can be easily found when needed.
- budget management: during the project, you are responsible for managing the budget and ensuring the project stays within it. That involves conducting regular assessments and reviews and making changes where necessary.
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work environment
The majority of your work takes place in an office environment working on a computer. This includes reviewing contracts, creating budgets, and other functions, using the appropriate software. The location of your office may be more fluid, depending on the circumstances around your job. If you work for a contractor, your office may be a temporary on-site location where the construction is happening. If you work for a consultancy firm, your office is more likely to be in a more traditional setting on the company's premises. Regardless of where your office is located, you periodically travel to the construction site to monitor the use of resources and materials.
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who are your colleagues?
Despite the variable nature of this profession, your colleagues are mostly the same from one job to another. You work with architects, civil engineers, electrical engineers, structural engineers, project managers, site managers, site supervisors, and others in charge of the construction process. You also report to people in the form of your bosses or clients.
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work schedule
Working as a quantity surveyor is a full-time job, meaning around 40 hours per week during traditional business hours. Overtime is not uncommon in this profession, and you may work evenings and weekends. This is more often the case when deadlines are approaching, and projects need to be wrapped up as quickly as possible.
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job outlook
Your job outlook is positive because there is plenty of demand for this position in India. There is also great room for growth in terms of your salary. Going forward, the potential to progress to more senior roles, such as senior quantity surveyor or project manager, is also an option.
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advantages of finding a quantity surveyor job through randstad
Finding your quantity surveyor job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid on a monthly basis
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a quantity surveyor is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
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.
FAQs about working as a quantity surveyor
FAQs about working as an quantity surveyor:
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are quantity surveyors in demand in India?
As a country undergoing a lot of development, India has a high demand for quantity surveyors.
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how can I become a quantity surveyor in India?
To be hired as a quantity surveyor, a degree in quantity surveying is necessary. A bachelor's degree will be acceptable in many cases, though a master's degree will improve your prospects.
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do quantity surveyors earn much?
The average wage of a quantity surveyor in India is around ₹396,400. An entry-level quantity surveyor with little-to-no previous experience can expect to earn around ₹250,000 per year. More experienced surveyors can earn as much as ₹10,00,000 per year.
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is quantity surveying boring?
While the answer to this question may differ from person to person, quantity surveying can be anything but boring. In addition to the sometimes stressful nature of project deadlines, quantity surveyors can help out with other tasks, such as project planning.
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how do I apply for a quantity surveyor vacancy?
Applying for a quantity surveyor job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
