Quantity surveyor
Also known as: quantity survey specialist, QS, quantity survey consultant, quantity survey professional, development project cost manager, construction cost consultant
About this occupation
Quantity surveyors have under their helm complete management of the cost involved in building and construction projects from the inception of the project until the delivery. They strive for an efficient use of the resources whilst keeping an eye on quality, quality standards, and client's requirements.
Essential skills and knowledge
- building construction principles
- order construction supplies
- manage contracts
- oversee construction project
- urban planning law
- perform cost accounting activities
- identify customer objectives
- manage budgets
- communicate with construction crews
- control of expenses
- finish project within budget
- advise on construction materials
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Photonics Engineers (O*NET 17-2199.07). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Analyze system performance or operational requirements.
- Develop optical or imaging systems, such as optical imaging products, optical components, image processes, signal process technologies, or optical systems.
- Develop or test photonic prototypes or models.
- Design, integrate, or test photonics systems or components.
- Assist in the transition of photonic prototypes to production.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Writing, Active Listening, Speaking, Mathematics
US median pay: US$122,930 a year (2025), 154,070 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsExtremely important (4.6)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsExtremely important (4.6)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.4)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.2)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.3)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Photonics Technicians
- Microsystems Engineers
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Computer Hardware Engineers
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Mechatronics Engineers
- Nanosystems Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
- Robotics Engineers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.