Last updated on January 1st, 2025 at 05:23 am
Quantity surveying is an in-demand profession worldwide, with roles that offer financial rewards, job stability, and career growth opportunities. But the salaries for quantity surveyors can vary significantly depending on the country, level of experience, and industry sector. Whether you’re a quantity surveyor planning to work abroad or simply curious about salary trends, understanding global pay differences can help you make informed career choices.
In this article, we’ll break down quantity surveying salaries in various regions, discussing factors that affect these salaries and what you can expect as a quantity surveyor in different parts of the world. If you’re ready to pursue a career that has global reach and competitive pay, quantity surveying could be the perfect choice.
Factors Influencing Quantity Surveyor Salaries
Before we dive into salary figures, it’s important to understand the key factors influencing quantity surveying salaries worldwide. These include:
- Location: Economic conditions, demand for construction, and cost of living vary by country and directly impact salaries.
- Experience Level: Quantity surveying salaries increase with experience, from entry-level positions to senior or specialized roles.
- Industry Sector: Salaries may vary depending on whether the role is in residential, commercial, or infrastructure projects.
- Certifications: Professional certifications, such as RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) or MRICS (Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), can boost salary potential.
Now, let’s look at quantity surveying salaries by region.
Quantity Surveying Salaries in North America
United States
In the United States, quantity surveying is a well-compensated profession, especially in major urban areas and regions with booming construction sectors. The average salary for a quantity surveyor in the U.S. is around $70,000 to $100,000 per year, with experienced professionals and those in senior positions earning significantly higher salaries.
- Entry-Level: $50,000 – $60,000
- Mid-Level: $70,000 – $90,000
- Senior-Level: $100,000 – $130,000+
Quantity surveyors in the U.S. often work in industries like real estate development, infrastructure, and energy, with salaries varying based on industry and location.
Canada
In Canada, the demand for quantity surveyors is steady, especially in cities experiencing growth in infrastructure and real estate development, like Toronto and Vancouver. The average salary for quantity surveyors in Canada is between CAD 60,000 and CAD 90,000 per year.
- Entry-Level: CAD 50,000 – CAD 60,000
- Mid-Level: CAD 70,000 – CAD 80,000
- Senior-Level: CAD 90,000 – CAD 120,000+
Certifications from organizations like the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) can increase earning potential in Canada.
Quantity Surveying Salaries in Europe
United Kingdom
The UK is one of the largest markets for quantity surveyors, and salaries here are influenced by high demand in cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Quantity surveyors in the UK can expect to earn £30,000 to £90,000 depending on their experience and location.
- Entry-Level: £25,000 – £35,000
- Mid-Level: £40,000 – £60,000
- Senior-Level: £70,000 – £90,000+
Membership with professional bodies such as RICS can significantly boost salaries and career prospects in the UK.
Germany
Germany’s construction and infrastructure sectors are growing steadily, which keeps the demand high for qualified quantity surveyors. The average salary in Germany ranges from €40,000 to €80,000 annually, with senior professionals earning on the higher end.
- Entry-Level: €35,000 – €45,000
- Mid-Level: €50,000 – €70,000
- Senior-Level: €75,000 – €90,000+
Proficiency in both English and German is often advantageous, as it opens up more job opportunities with multinational firms.
France
Quantity surveyors in France generally earn between €35,000 and €75,000 annually. Construction projects in cities like Paris and Lyon offer more competitive salaries due to higher demand and cost of living.
- Entry-Level: €30,000 – €40,000
- Mid-Level: €45,000 – €60,000
- Senior-Level: €65,000 – €80,000+
France’s industry certification through associations like SNQS (Société Nationale des Quanitites) is beneficial for advancing in quantity surveying roles.
Quantity Surveying Salaries in Asia and the Middle East
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is a major hub for quantity surveyors, thanks to ongoing construction and development projects. The average salary for a quantity surveyor in the UAE is AED 180,000 to AED 400,000 per year, making it one of the highest-paying regions for this profession.
- Entry-Level: AED 150,000 – AED 200,000
- Mid-Level: AED 250,000 – AED 350,000
- Senior-Level: AED 400,000+
Tax-free salaries, along with various expatriate benefits, make the UAE an attractive destination for experienced quantity surveyors.
Qatar
Qatar is also a lucrative market for quantity surveyors, especially with the country’s ambitious infrastructure projects. Salaries typically range between QAR 150,000 and QAR 350,000 annually, depending on experience and specialization.
- Entry-Level: QAR 120,000 – QAR 180,000
- Mid-Level: QAR 200,000 – QAR 300,000
- Senior-Level: QAR 350,000+
Expatriates in Qatar enjoy tax-free salaries and other benefits, making it an appealing choice for quantity surveyors from abroad.
Singapore
Singapore’s strong construction industry and high cost of living make quantity surveying a well-compensated profession. Quantity surveyors in Singapore earn an average of SGD 60,000 to SGD 120,000 per year.
- Entry-Level: SGD 50,000 – SGD 70,000
- Mid-Level: SGD 80,000 – SGD 100,000
- Senior-Level: SGD 110,000 – SGD 150,000+
Being a global business hub, Singapore offers opportunities for quantity surveyors with international experience, and obtaining certifications like MRICS can further increase salary prospects.
Quantity Surveying Salaries in Australia and New Zealand
Australia
Australia has a high demand for quantity surveyors, especially in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Quantity surveying salaries in Australia range from AUD 70,000 to AUD 150,000 annually.
- Entry-Level: AUD 60,000 – AUD 80,000
- Mid-Level: AUD 90,000 – AUD 110,000
- Senior-Level: AUD 120,000 – AUD 150,000+
The AIQS (Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors) certification can enhance career prospects in Australia and may open opportunities for higher pay.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, quantity surveyors earn competitive salaries, especially in regions with growing construction markets, such as Auckland and Wellington. The average salary for quantity surveyors is between NZD 60,000 and NZD 120,000 per year.
- Entry-Level: NZD 50,000 – NZD 70,000
- Mid-Level: NZD 80,000 – NZD 100,000
- Senior-Level: NZD 110,000 – NZD 130,000+
Certifications from professional bodies, such as NZIQS (New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors), can improve earning potential and provide access to more advanced roles.
Quantity Surveying Salaries in Africa
South Africa
In South Africa, quantity surveying remains an important profession, especially in major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. The average salary for quantity surveyors in South Africa is ZAR 350,000 to ZAR 800,000 annually.
- Entry-Level: ZAR 250,000 – ZAR 350,000
- Mid-Level: ZAR 400,000 – ZAR 600,000
- Senior-Level: ZAR 700,000 – ZAR 900,000+
Professional registration with the ASAQS (Association of South African Quantity Surveyors) can improve career prospects and earning potential.
Nigeria
Nigeria’s expanding infrastructure and development projects create opportunities for quantity surveyors, though salaries are generally lower compared to other regions. The average annual salary in Nigeria ranges from NGN 1.5 million to NGN 5 million.
- Entry-Level: NGN 1 million – NGN 2 million
- Mid-Level: NGN 2.5 million – NGN 4 million
- Senior-Level: NGN 4 million – NGN 6 million+
Quantity surveyors in Nigeria with international certifications and experience may find higher-paying roles with multinational companies.
Conclusion
Quantity surveying is a rewarding and globally relevant career that offers competitive salaries, with significant variation depending on location, experience, and specialization. Regions such as the UAE, United States, and Australia offer some of the highest salaries for quantity surveyors, while professional certifications like RICS and AIQS can further enhance earning potential.
If you’re considering a career in quantity surveying or planning to work abroad, understanding these salary ranges and requirements can help you make strategic career choices. Quantity surveying is a field that promises growth, and with the right qualifications, you can enjoy a lucrative and fulfilling career across diverse regions and industries.
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