Surveying: Most Interesting vs. Highest Paid specialisations
I've been reading a lot about quantity and building surveying on here, but they seem to be the only two specialisations ever discussed really. So I've been wondering, what are the most interesting specialisations within Surveying? What are the highest paid specialisations? I had thought Quantity Surveying was the highest paid, but according to this it's lower paid than other specialisations: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/work/tips-and-guides/article.html?in_article_id=493808&in_page_id=53960&in_advicepage_id=
I'm not sure how reliable the above link is, though. So what do you all think? What are the most interesting specialisations and what are the highest paid?
I'm not sure how reliable the above link is, though. So what do you all think? What are the most interesting specialisations and what are the highest paid?
Scroll to see replies
Building and Quantity surveying are completely different occupations.
Quantity Surveying is by far better paid, primarily because Quantity surveyors have the opportunity to work for big firms where they can work themselves up to be senior estimators or commercial managers= big money! Whereas building surveyors are limited in there area of work, they tend to work for regional small businesses where the pay is much lower. Also building surveyors are finding it really hard at the moment with finding work in the UK due to the economic climate and the change in regulations over the last few years. Most people perceive Quantity Surveying as boring- counting bricks!! but that is not the case, it covers a wide range of disciplines- law, economics, management etc and offers exciting opportunities all over the world. I work with a building surveyor and his advice was don’t go there!!
All the best hopes it helps
Quantity Surveying is by far better paid, primarily because Quantity surveyors have the opportunity to work for big firms where they can work themselves up to be senior estimators or commercial managers= big money! Whereas building surveyors are limited in there area of work, they tend to work for regional small businesses where the pay is much lower. Also building surveyors are finding it really hard at the moment with finding work in the UK due to the economic climate and the change in regulations over the last few years. Most people perceive Quantity Surveying as boring- counting bricks!! but that is not the case, it covers a wide range of disciplines- law, economics, management etc and offers exciting opportunities all over the world. I work with a building surveyor and his advice was don’t go there!!
All the best hopes it helps
fret
go for the one you find most interesting. quantity surveying seems easy money but dead tedious, i just can't see how people can enjoy that job.
I'm a Chartered Quantity Surveyor.
Let me tell you that there's nothing "easy" about quantity surveying. It exercises skills in management, entrepeneurialism, law, economics, and technology and is really only seen as "counting bricks" by those that know little about it. In fact, at a senior level, one doesn't do a lot of brick counting. I don't remember the last time I referred to SMM7 or used a scale rule in anger.
It's one of the most intellectually demanding and stressful jobs in the construction industry. It's not tedious, but it can be quite well paid, offer excellent opportunities for living and working overseas, and is a fantastic springboard to more senior positions - show me a Project Director in charge of a billion dollar project somewhere in the middle east and he'll quite likely have a QS background.
Lux Lisbon
I've been reading a lot about quantity and building surveying on here, but they seem to be the only two specialisations ever discussed really. So I've been wondering, what are the most interesting specialisations within Surveying? What are the highest paid specialisations? I had thought Quantity Surveying was the highest paid, but according to this it's lower paid than other specialisations: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/work/tips-and-guides/article.html?in_article_id=493808&in_page_id=53960&in_advicepage_id=
I'm not sure how reliable the above link is, though. So what do you all think? What are the most interesting specialisations and what are the highest paid?
I'm not sure how reliable the above link is, though. So what do you all think? What are the most interesting specialisations and what are the highest paid?
These are averages. As with any profession, there are extremes.
There are plodding donkey Quantity Surveyors who work for local councils in the UK for 27k a year and there are the rockstars - senior QSs/Commercial Managers/Directors who earn 150k tax free in the ME or construction claims consultants who charge about $200 per hour.
EDIT: As a matter of fact I've just been asked if I want to go to Qatar as a Senior Commercial Manager on a very large project for a few years. Here's the basic offer:
£100,000 – £120,000 pa Basic (tax free)
Car
Housing
Health
Relocation cost
Schooling
Plus standard benefits.
So, don't think of QS'ing as a boring job counting bricks paying a mediocre salary.
Hi,
I am a Senior QS with 25 years experience. If you want to maximise your income you have to work for yourself. I have my own limited company and only work freelance. Decent quantity surveyors spend more time saying no to jobs. Even during the dark days of the recession I never had any problems finding work. Day rates for senior QSs are £300 per day. Day rates for intermediates around £150-200 per day. Even in Quantity Surveying the are big differences in pay, Rail, Water, Oil & Gas are better paid.
I am a Senior QS with 25 years experience. If you want to maximise your income you have to work for yourself. I have my own limited company and only work freelance. Decent quantity surveyors spend more time saying no to jobs. Even during the dark days of the recession I never had any problems finding work. Day rates for senior QSs are £300 per day. Day rates for intermediates around £150-200 per day. Even in Quantity Surveying the are big differences in pay, Rail, Water, Oil & Gas are better paid.
Hi everyone. I am looking to study surveying this september in aberdeen (rics accredited graduate diploma; i already have a non related degree). just a few questions -
1.)What would be the chances of employability after graduating? would you need to become chartered?
2.)Can you become a QS with a criminal record?
3.) Is it too late to be entering this field with no experience at 27 years old?
4.)How could one become self-employed?
would really appreciate answers....thanks!!
1.)What would be the chances of employability after graduating? would you need to become chartered?
2.)Can you become a QS with a criminal record?
3.) Is it too late to be entering this field with no experience at 27 years old?
4.)How could one become self-employed?
would really appreciate answers....thanks!!
Original post by john223344
Hi everyone. I am looking to study surveying this september in aberdeen (rics accredited graduate diploma; i already have a non related degree). just a few questions -
1.)What would be the chances of employability after graduating? would you need to become chartered?
2.)Can you become a QS with a criminal record?
3.) Is it too late to be entering this field with no experience at 27 years old?
4.)How could one become self-employed?
would really appreciate answers....thanks!!
1.)What would be the chances of employability after graduating? would you need to become chartered?
2.)Can you become a QS with a criminal record?
3.) Is it too late to be entering this field with no experience at 27 years old?
4.)How could one become self-employed?
would really appreciate answers....thanks!!
John,
I am due to graduate this year from a QS degree and already have a job in place, and so do all of my peers (even ones with no experience and lack dedication and performance in the class room). I am confident that if you are dead set on being a surveyor and you told a prospective employer that's what you're certain of, there will be a job there for you... A well paid one at that.
I've never applied for a job yet I am now turning jobs down as i receive offers, i merely ask the commercial director of a company if they wouldn't mind speaking with me and letting me elaborate on my plans, twice this had lead to employment with top 5 contractors in the UK. I am confident if you apply yourself you will be fine in finding work.
And as for criminal records, most people i have worked with in construction has a drink driving offence or public disorder and so i do not feel it will completely hinder you but it may require some explaining, you can make anything sound good if you focus on the benefits and lessons learned. It may even prove you are a more well rounded, focused and determined individual however that is to the opinion of your prospective employer.
I wish you all the best and encourage you to be determined, 27 is not too old to do anything your're probably only about 30% of your life and 20% of that at was not directed as you are now.
As for becoming self employed, agency work pays very well or open your own practice which comes with connections which usually come with experience within industry.
Kind regards
Andy
Original post by QSintrests
John,
I am due to graduate this year from a QS degree and already have a job in place, and so do all of my peers (even ones with no experience and lack dedication and performance in the class room). I am confident that if you are dead set on being a surveyor and you told a prospective employer that's what you're certain of, there will be a job there for you... A well paid one at that.
I've never applied for a job yet I am now turning jobs down as i receive offers, i merely ask the commercial director of a company if they wouldn't mind speaking with me and letting me elaborate on my plans, twice this had lead to employment with top 5 contractors in the UK. I am confident if you apply yourself you will be fine in finding work.
And as for criminal records, most people i have worked with in construction has a drink driving offence or public disorder and so i do not feel it will completely hinder you but it may require some explaining, you can make anything sound good if you focus on the benefits and lessons learned. It may even prove you are a more well rounded, focused and determined individual however that is to the opinion of your prospective employer.
I wish you all the best and encourage you to be determined, 27 is not too old to do anything your're probably only about 30% of your life and 20% of that at was not directed as you are now.
As for becoming self employed, agency work pays very well or open your own practice which comes with connections which usually come with experience within industry.
Kind regards
Andy
I am due to graduate this year from a QS degree and already have a job in place, and so do all of my peers (even ones with no experience and lack dedication and performance in the class room). I am confident that if you are dead set on being a surveyor and you told a prospective employer that's what you're certain of, there will be a job there for you... A well paid one at that.
I've never applied for a job yet I am now turning jobs down as i receive offers, i merely ask the commercial director of a company if they wouldn't mind speaking with me and letting me elaborate on my plans, twice this had lead to employment with top 5 contractors in the UK. I am confident if you apply yourself you will be fine in finding work.
And as for criminal records, most people i have worked with in construction has a drink driving offence or public disorder and so i do not feel it will completely hinder you but it may require some explaining, you can make anything sound good if you focus on the benefits and lessons learned. It may even prove you are a more well rounded, focused and determined individual however that is to the opinion of your prospective employer.
I wish you all the best and encourage you to be determined, 27 is not too old to do anything your're probably only about 30% of your life and 20% of that at was not directed as you are now.
As for becoming self employed, agency work pays very well or open your own practice which comes with connections which usually come with experience within industry.
Kind regards
Andy
Hi Andy, I'm planning to study quantity surveying in the near future after I have studied architecture at the university of Sheffield. Quantity surveying seems like a job well fitted to my needs. Fits quite perfectly by the research I've already made in fact. I would like to explain what's happening so far in my life.
Sheffield university has offered me a scholarship and this scholarship is for my masters, as I most definitely will go down the route to study quantity surveying I was wondering the types of Ma or MSc would help me in the career of being a quantity surveyor. I have a few in mind which I will show a list.
Management/finance MSc Ma degrees:
MSc Finance and Accounting
MSc International Management
MSc Leadership and Management
MSc Management
Ma Commercial Real Estate
After doing any of these degrees I then would go study quantity surveying. What MSc or Ma will be a good investment in quantity surveying.
Thanks
Hi everyone, I'm currently studying Building Surveying (I'm in 2nd year of uni).
Currently my mind is changing about my career pathway and was wondering where my degree can get me without directly being a building surveyor?
I've seen on this forum a lot of people have been in the construction industry for a number of years so thought this is the best way to get an accurate response. Any areas of construction careers that would be higher paid or more jobs going. Also could I go into quantity surveying with a building surveying degree?
Currently my mind is changing about my career pathway and was wondering where my degree can get me without directly being a building surveyor?
I've seen on this forum a lot of people have been in the construction industry for a number of years so thought this is the best way to get an accurate response. Any areas of construction careers that would be higher paid or more jobs going. Also could I go into quantity surveying with a building surveying degree?
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by Skeightley
Hi everyone, I'm currently studying Building Surveying (I'm in 2nd year of uni).
Currently my mind is changing about my career pathway and was wondering where my degree can get me without directly being a building surveyor?
I've seen on this forum a lot of people have been in the construction industry for a number of years so thought this is the best way to get an accurate response. Any areas of construction careers that would be higher paid or more jobs going. Also could I go into quantity surveying with a building surveying degree?
Currently my mind is changing about my career pathway and was wondering where my degree can get me without directly being a building surveyor?
I've seen on this forum a lot of people have been in the construction industry for a number of years so thought this is the best way to get an accurate response. Any areas of construction careers that would be higher paid or more jobs going. Also could I go into quantity surveying with a building surveying degree?
I got into a large main contractor as a graduate quantity surveyor with a business with finance degree so I'm more than positive that you can! Good luck!
Original post by QSintrests
John,
I am due to graduate this year from a QS degree and already have a job in place, and so do all of my peers (even ones with no experience and lack dedication and performance in the class room). I am confident that if you are dead set on being a surveyor and you told a prospective employer that's what you're certain of, there will be a job there for you... A well paid one at that.
I've never applied for a job yet I am now turning jobs down as i receive offers, i merely ask the commercial director of a company if they wouldn't mind speaking with me and letting me elaborate on my plans, twice this had lead to employment with top 5 contractors in the UK. I am confident if you apply yourself you will be fine in finding work.
And as for criminal records, most people i have worked with in construction has a drink driving offence or public disorder and so i do not feel it will completely hinder you but it may require some explaining, you can make anything sound good if you focus on the benefits and lessons learned. It may even prove you are a more well rounded, focused and determined individual however that is to the opinion of your prospective employer.
I wish you all the best and encourage you to be determined, 27 is not too old to do anything your're probably only about 30% of your life and 20% of that at was not directed as you are now.
As for becoming self employed, agency work pays very well or open your own practice which comes with connections which usually come with experience within industry.
Kind regards
Andy
I am due to graduate this year from a QS degree and already have a job in place, and so do all of my peers (even ones with no experience and lack dedication and performance in the class room). I am confident that if you are dead set on being a surveyor and you told a prospective employer that's what you're certain of, there will be a job there for you... A well paid one at that.
I've never applied for a job yet I am now turning jobs down as i receive offers, i merely ask the commercial director of a company if they wouldn't mind speaking with me and letting me elaborate on my plans, twice this had lead to employment with top 5 contractors in the UK. I am confident if you apply yourself you will be fine in finding work.
And as for criminal records, most people i have worked with in construction has a drink driving offence or public disorder and so i do not feel it will completely hinder you but it may require some explaining, you can make anything sound good if you focus on the benefits and lessons learned. It may even prove you are a more well rounded, focused and determined individual however that is to the opinion of your prospective employer.
I wish you all the best and encourage you to be determined, 27 is not too old to do anything your're probably only about 30% of your life and 20% of that at was not directed as you are now.
As for becoming self employed, agency work pays very well or open your own practice which comes with connections which usually come with experience within industry.
Kind regards
Andy
Hi,I'm looking for a tutor 9online or in person) for quantity surveying just to get some help and guidance in terms of the take off and measurement aspects; Im a second year QS student. Would you be willing to help?Max
Original post by iainraeqs01
Hi,
I am a Senior QS with 25 years experience. If you want to maximise your income you have to work for yourself. I have my own limited company and only work freelance. Decent quantity surveyors spend more time saying no to jobs. Even during the dark days of the recession I never had any problems finding work. Day rates for senior QSs are £300 per day. Day rates for intermediates around £150-200 per day. Even in Quantity Surveying the are big differences in pay, Rail, Water, Oil & Gas are better paid.
I am a Senior QS with 25 years experience. If you want to maximise your income you have to work for yourself. I have my own limited company and only work freelance. Decent quantity surveyors spend more time saying no to jobs. Even during the dark days of the recession I never had any problems finding work. Day rates for senior QSs are £300 per day. Day rates for intermediates around £150-200 per day. Even in Quantity Surveying the are big differences in pay, Rail, Water, Oil & Gas are better paid.
Hi,I'm looking for a tutor 9online or in person) for quantity surveying just to get some help and guidance in terms of the take off and measurement aspects; Im a second year QS student. Would you be willing to help?Max
Original post by iainraeqs01
Hi,
I am a Senior QS with 25 years experience. If you want to maximise your income you have to work for yourself. I have my own limited company and only work freelance. Decent quantity surveyors spend more time saying no to jobs. Even during the dark days of the recession I never had any problems finding work. Day rates for senior QSs are £300 per day. Day rates for intermediates around £150-200 per day. Even in Quantity Surveying the are big differences in pay, Rail, Water, Oil & Gas are better paid.
I am a Senior QS with 25 years experience. If you want to maximise your income you have to work for yourself. I have my own limited company and only work freelance. Decent quantity surveyors spend more time saying no to jobs. Even during the dark days of the recession I never had any problems finding work. Day rates for senior QSs are £300 per day. Day rates for intermediates around £150-200 per day. Even in Quantity Surveying the are big differences in pay, Rail, Water, Oil & Gas are better paid.
I'm now a Contracts Manager (Canada based) working freelance with my own company. I am billing out at $1300/day (CAD) for MAJOR ($1Billion +) industrial projects (oil patch, copper/gold/potash mines) which is about £650 per day.
Original post by Fa2808
Hi Max,
I currently work at a PQS firm and the bulk of my experience is producing BoQs in accordance with SMM7.
If you have any questions regarding measurements, feel free to ask and I will be more than happy to assist.
Regards,
Farooq
I currently work at a PQS firm and the bulk of my experience is producing BoQs in accordance with SMM7.
If you have any questions regarding measurements, feel free to ask and I will be more than happy to assist.
Regards,
Farooq
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Hello Farooq, is it possible to email or call me? please let me know thanks
Original post by Fa2808
Hi Max,
I currently work at a PQS firm and the bulk of my experience is producing BoQs in accordance with SMM7.
If you have any questions regarding measurements, feel free to ask and I will be more than happy to assist.
Regards,
Farooq
I currently work at a PQS firm and the bulk of my experience is producing BoQs in accordance with SMM7.
If you have any questions regarding measurements, feel free to ask and I will be more than happy to assist.
Regards,
Farooq
Hi Farooq,
Can you please advise me the best way to contact you as I'd really like your help with some insight into surveying. I'm 29 years old and thinking about going into Quantity Surveying.
HiI am 16 years old and interested in becoming a quantity surveyor, what a levels are needed to get into a quantity surveying course at uni? And is the job boring. I do not want to spend my life doing something that I don't like. Also what sectors can you work in as a quantity surveyor such as construction or it ?
Hi all,I started Quantity Surveying as soon as I left school at the age of 16 and I am now 21 studying a part-time degree in Quantity Surveying at the University of Portsmouth. To get into the profession there are various different routes which include apprenticeships, degrees in Quantity Surveying, a degree in another subject and then the possibility of a conversion course; (See here; https://www.ucem.ac.uk/study-with-ucem/postgraduate/msc-quantity-surveying/ ) or even just exeperience.Out of my own personal experience, I would suggest anyone whos looking at getting into the profession does the following1.) - A-Levels ( It doesn't really matter what you do here but Maths, Law, Economics, Physics, Geography etc are all good subjects that will help with further studies.2.) - Get on an apprenticeship scheme if there's one available, if not, call local companies and let them know your interested in whether they would consider taking on an apprentice. The great thing about apprenticeships is the cost of the education doesn't cost you a penny. Instead of walking out of university with £60,000 debts (Student loan, accommodation, and maintenance loan). You'll walk out debt free, with a few years of experience and employers will most certainly look at you favorably.Many organizations don't pay the cost of training the individual either. If the company is smaller than 50 people the government will pay 100% of the course fees. If the organization is bigger and they pay the construction levy ( a tax for large construction companies) the government will cover 90% of the fees. (see here for more information: http://www.port.ac.uk/degree-apprenticeships/information-for-employers/ ) 3.) Finish the apprenticeship, as I have almost done, with 5/6 years of experience, no debts and a decent pay packet for someone of my age. If you are an older individual who wishes to get into Quantity Surveying I would suggest you message me separately where I may be able to offer some further advice/assistance. If you are in a construction related trade already this will probably make it easier. As for the role of a Quantity Surveyor please see below;As a QS you can work in any sector which involves construction and the flow of money. Residental, Commercial, Educational, Public Sector, Private Sector, Aviation, Rail, Oil
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