Quantity Surveyor
Shortage Now
States / territories with a shortage signal
Snapshot
Median salary
A$121,600
Full-time annual
People employed
3,500
Estimated workforce
Shortage signal
Shortage (national)
Categories identify where a shortage occurs; they are not a severity score.
What you actually do
Determines, analyses and manages the costs associated with construction projects, including the feasibility, design, construction and operation stages.
Specialisations
Skills & main tasks
Official main tasks
- Prepares cost estimates for construction projects based on varying levels of design
- Prepares detailed cost plans for budgetary control, including bills of quantities, and manages progress payments
- Monitors the project through the construction phases and adjusts cost based on variations
- Prepares tender documents and evaluates contractor bids
- Prepares tax depreciation reports
- Prepares replacement cost assessments for insurance purposes
- Engages with key stakeholders, including asset owners, financiers, Architects, builders, engineers and developers
Where people work
State / territory distribution
Highest education
Share of workers
Education & work pattern
Part-time
13%
Female rate
25%
Median age
37
2030 & 2035 employment outlook
to 2030
+12%
8,834 projected jobs
to 2035
+21%
16,010 projected jobs
WiseAffiliate linkMoving abroad to study?
Pay tuition and send money home at the real exchange rate with Wise.
Open a free Wise accountCredentials & Pathway
OSCA skill level 1
A classification attribute describing the occupation; it is not a personal eligibility or qualification decision.
Registration or licensing
Registration or licensing may be required.
Official VET pathways
Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying
Progression pathway
Diploma of Surveying
Progression pathway
Advanced Diploma of Surveying
Progression pathway
Certificate III in Civil Construction
Progression pathway
Certificate III in Civil Foundations
Progression pathway
Certificate IV in Civil Construction
Progression pathway
Diploma of Civil Construction Management
Progression pathway
Diploma of Building and Construction (Management)
Transferable skills
Related study options
Bachelor
Compare university ROIReal jobs right now
Live signal from SEEK, Indeed & moreCurrent vacancy signal
QLD · May 2026
621
ACT · May 2026
36
VIC · May 2026
358
NT · May 2026
29
SA · May 2026
148
NSW · May 2026
642
Where could this career take you?
Compare state-level shortage signals, salary context, study options and visa information for Quantity Surveyor.
Regional demand
Largest employment base
#1 Melbourne - West
4,323 estimated employed
- 1
Melbourne - West
4,323 employed
VIC
+11.79%
year on year
- 2
Melbourne - Inner
4,044 employed
VIC
+5.15%
year on year
- 3
Melbourne - South East
3,382 employed
VIC
+18.54%
year on year
- 4
Melbourne - North West
2,822 employed
VIC
+14.72%
year on year
- 5
Perth - North West
2,542 employed
WA
-5.47%
year on year
AiraloAffiliate linkNeed a local eSIM when you arrive?
Stay connected from day one with an affordable Airalo eSIM — 200+ countries covered.
Get your eSIMPossible next career moves
Ranked by current shortage signal and projected employment growth.
Workers in this occupation
4,285
Moved in from another occupation
460
Moved to another occupation
300
Recommendation score: shortage = 2 points, no shortage = 1 point, plus 1 point for each 10% of projected growth to 2035.
- 1
5
points
- 2
4
points
- 3
4
points
- 4
3
points
- 5
3
points
Data status
- Classification
- OSCA 241932
- Last updated
- Refresh pending
- Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia OSL · Jobs and Skills Australia DOM · ABS OSCA · OSCA 2024 — Jobs and Skills Australia
Labour-market data coverage
- Shortage signal and drivers: JSA Occupation Shortage List (ANZSCO unit group where applicable).
- Work profile, state distribution and education: JSA Occupation Profiles (ANZSCO mapped).
- Regional employment: JSA NERO, June 2026.
- Career-move observations: JSA DOM, last available 2020–21. Observed Australian worker transitions are not personalised recommendations; many contractors and sole traders are excluded, as are transitions below 10 workers.
- Vacancy signal: JSA Internet Vacancy Index, 3-month average (ANZSCO unit group).
- Employment outlook: JSA employment projections (ANZSCO unit group).
- Training pathways: JSA Training Occupation Pathways.
Data confidence: estimate.