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Construction

Become a Quantity Surveyor in Sri Lanka

Last updated: 15 Jul 2026

Avg Monthly Salary
LKR 65,000–500,000
Demand
⭐⭐⭐⭐ High
Min Qualification
Degree / HND
Study Duration
2–4 Years
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Job Growth: Growing · Overseas opportunities available

Career Overview

Quantity Surveyors (QS) manage the costs of construction projects — from initial estimates to final accounts. They ensure buildings, roads, hotels and infrastructure are built on budget and to standard.

Sri Lanka has a strong construction industry with a shortage of qualified QS professionals, making it one of the most in-demand technical careers today. Sri Lankan QS professionals are also highly sought after in the Middle East, Australia and the UK.

What Does This Career Do?

A quantity surveyor prepares cost estimates, tender documents, BOQs, valuations, variations and final accounts. They liaise with clients, contractors, architects and engineers to keep projects on budget and compliant.

Daily Responsibilities

📐
Prepare BOQs & estimates
🧮
Cost planning
📄
Tender documents
🏗
Site visits & measurement
💬
Contract administration
💰
Valuations & variations
📊
Final accounts
⚖️
Dispute resolution

Skills Required

Technical Skills

  • Cost estimation
  • AutoCAD / BIM
  • MS Excel
  • Contract law
  • BOQ preparation
  • Valuation
  • Tendering
  • Project management

Soft Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Negotiation
  • Communication
  • Problem solving
  • Numerical ability
  • Teamwork
  • Time management
  • Integrity

Education Pathway

  1. 1
    O/L
  2. 2
    A/L (Maths / Science preferred)
  3. 3
    Foundation / Diploma / HND
  4. 4
    BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying
  5. 5
    Internship / Training
  6. 6
    Graduate QS
  7. 7
    Chartered QS (RICS / IQSSL)

Entry Requirements

Entry pathways:

• After A/L: BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying at UOM, CTHR, ICBT, NSBM, etc. • After O/L: HND / diploma in QS. • Chartered pathway: RICS / IQSSL professional membership.

Recommended Courses

Diploma in Construction Management

BSc in Quantity Surveying / Civil Engineering

HND in Construction Technology

NVQ Level 5 in Construction

Advanced Certificate in Site Management

Career Progression

  1. 1
    Intern QS
  2. 2
    Junior QS
  3. 3
    Assistant QS
  4. 4
    QS
  5. 5
    Senior QS
  6. 6
    Chief QS
  7. 7
    Commercial Manager
  8. 8
    Director

Industries Hiring

Construction
Real Estate
Government
Consultancy
Oil & Gas
Infrastructure
Utilities
Hospitality

Salary Summary

ExperienceMonthly Salary (LKR)
Internship20,000 – 48,000
Junior QS64,000 – 112,000
2–4 Years112,000 – 200,000
Senior QS200,000 – 360,000
Chief / Chartered360,000 – 560,000
Overseas (Middle East)480,000 – 1,600,000
Disclaimer

The salary information on this page is intended as a general guide for students and job seekers in Sri Lanka. Actual salaries may vary depending on qualifications, experience, employer, industry, location, job responsibilities, company size, performance, market demand, and additional benefits. The figures shown are estimated monthly salary ranges and are provided for informational purposes only. They should not be considered guaranteed earnings.

Certifications That Increase Salary

MRICS
IQSSL Membership
PMP
FIDIC Contracts

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need A/L Maths to become a QS?
Maths at A/L helps, but many QS degrees accept students from other streams with a foundation programme.
How long is a QS degree in Sri Lanka?
Typically 4 years for a BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying degree.
Are overseas jobs common?
Yes — Sri Lankan QS professionals are widely hired in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Australia and the UK, often at significantly higher salaries.
What's the difference between QS and civil engineer?
QS focuses on cost and contracts; civil engineers focus on design and construction execution. They work together on projects.
Which universities offer QS in Sri Lanka?
University of Moratuwa, CTHR, ICBT, NSBM, SLIIT, Horizon Campus and others offer QS programmes.
Do I need chartered status?
Not to start, but chartered membership (RICS or IQSSL) significantly increases salary and overseas opportunities.
Is QS a good career for women?
Yes — a growing number of women are entering QS in Sri Lanka and doing very well, especially in consultancy roles.
What is a typical starting salary?
Junior QS professionals in Sri Lanka typically start around LKR 80,000–140,000, rising quickly with project experience.
Can I switch to project management?
Yes, many QS professionals move into commercial management, contracts management or full project management roles.
Is site work required?
Yes, especially early in your career. Senior QS roles are more office and contract-based.

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