Quantity Surveyor
22AI USED FOR22%moving to67%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £34,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING →
Quantity Surveyor
Quantity surveyors manage the money on building projects. They work out what things will cost, check that spending stays on track, and make sure the project finishes on time and within budget.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI is already used for some of this job, but the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Quantity SurveyorAs a Junior Quantity Surveyor, you will assist senior surveyors in preparing cost estimates and managing project budgets. This role is ideal for recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in the field.£28,000 - £34,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level Quantity SurveyorIn this role, you will take on more responsibility, managing your own projects and liaising directly with clients. You will be expected to provide expert advice on cost management and procurement strategies.£45,000 - £55,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Quantity SurveyorAs a Senior Quantity Surveyor, you will lead large-scale projects, mentor junior staff, and play a key role in strategic decision-making. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring the financial success of complex construction projects.£80,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Construction ManagementUniversity College of Estate Management · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£52,000 median
🎓Architectural TechnologyBirmingham City University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£51,000 median
🎓Construction ManagementSchool of Coding Limited · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Construction ManagementUniversity of Portsmouth · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£36,500 median
🎓Construction Management and Surveying with International Foundation YearThe University of Reading · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£36,500 median
All Architecture and Planning courses as cards →
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is an apprenticeship route into this career. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Recommended UK degrees
Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.
Construction ManagementUniversity College of Estate Management · DegreeArchitectural TechnologyBirmingham City University · DegreeConstruction ManagementSchool of Coding Limited · DegreeQuantity SurveyingSchool of Coding Limited · DegreeConstruction ManagementUniversity of Portsmouth · DegreeConstruction Management and Surveying with International Foundation YearThe University of Reading · Degree