Image of career: Quantity Surveyor

Quantity Surveyor

Overview

Quantity surveyors manage resources of construction projects and ensure that they do not go over budget.

Description

  • Review project budgets and expenditures.
  • Work with various stakeholders to facilitate smooth project operations.
  • Conduct thorough research, analyse data, and prepare comprehensive reports to provide insights for informed decision-making.
  • Monitor the availability of construction materials, maintain inventory records, and initiate procurement processes.
  • Keep track of construction plan or procedure alterations and implement corresponding adjustments.

Entry requirements

  • You'll need a Diploma in Quantity Surveying or Civil Engineering to get started in this field.
  • Local universities offer degrees in Project and Facilities Management that equip you with the necessary qualifications as well.

Salary

$3,300 – 5,200

/mo

Salary ranges are estimated based on public information found on Singaporean job portals, including MyCareersFuture, MySkillsFuture. Updated as of 2026.

Trivia

Quantity surveyors are moving away from traditional spreadsheets. Today, they use 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) to virtually construct and cost out a building before a single physical brick is laid.

What to expect

Master Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology, it will serve you well in your career.

Soft
skills

Communication

Ability to use clear language to share ideas.

Resource Management

Skilled in allocating and utilising project resources.

Problem-Solving

Able to propose innovative and effective solutions to overcome project hurdles.

Mathematics

Possess strong numerical and data analysis skills.

Terminologies

Familiar with technical knowledge, including construction terminology and measurements.

Accounting

Trained in basic accounting and finance principles to make informed business decisions.

Hard
skills

Frequently asked questions

This job usually entails more than desk work. Quantity surveyors travel to construction sites to track the progress of construction projects. This is important for effective budget planning and resource management.

Beyond budgeting skills, they need to be well-versed in other areas. For example, they will be looking at contracts, hence knowledge of legal terminology is crucial. Understanding the engineering dynamics behind construction projects is important to planning as well.

Quantity surveyors meet clients daily to confirm their requirements, prepare tenders and contract documents for both clients and architects, continuously analyse outcomes and write budget reports.

When quantity surveyors are going over the budget, they should start identifying the cause of it and try to find ways to reduce the cost to ensure it fits within the budget.

This job requires two types of qualifications to work as a qualified professional. The 'associate' and 'chartered' qualifications require applicants to have some work experience to obtain.