Construction & Built Environment
Quantity Surveyor
You are the money expert of construction, you cost and control building projects.
- Starting salary
- R20 000 – R35 000
- Job demand
- Steady demand
- Key subjects
- Mathematics, Physical Sciences
What do they do?
You are the money expert of construction, you cost and control building projects.
A day in the life
You measure plans, price materials and labour, manage budgets and negotiate contracts.
Skills you need
- Mathematics
- Negotiation
- Detail
- Organisation
School subjects that help
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Accounting
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2BSc Quantity Surveying / Diploma
- 3Candidate QS
- 4Professional QS
Ways in: University degree · University of Technology · Professional registration. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of Pretoria
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Cape Town
- Nelson Mandela University
- University of the Free State
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R20 000 – R35 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R40 000 – R70 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R75 000 – R130 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Price a small building project as practice
- • Get strong at maths
- • Visit a construction site with an adult
Try this career
Cost out building a simple wall, materials, labour and total.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.