Quantity Surveyor Salary: Hourly, Weekly and Annual Pay in the UK

Understanding Quantity Surveyor Pay in the UK

If you are exploring a career in construction cost management, you will want a clear picture of the quantity surveyor salary landscape. Pay can be quoted hourly, weekly, or annually, and each perspective tells a different story. This guide uses official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and GOV.UK to help you compare statutory minimum rates, typical advertised salaries, and real take-home pay.

Hourly Rates vs Annual Salaries

The most authoritative source for annual earnings is the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). For quantity surveyors (SOC 2020 unit group 2453), the provisional April 2025 data shows a median full-time salary of £52,537. That translates to roughly £27 per hour based on a standard 37.5-hour working week. By contrast, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour from April 2026 – so a qualified quantity surveyor earns more than double the minimum.

However, not all quantity surveyors start at that level. Entry-level roles (0–2 years) typically offer total average pay (basic salary plus guaranteed car/travel allowance) in the range of £25,000–£30,000, according to a 2025/26 market report from Maxim Recruitment. That equates to roughly £13–£15 per hour, still above the NLW but closer to the National Minimum Wage for 18–20 year olds (£10.85/hr).

Take-Home Pay: What You Actually Receive

Gross salary is only part of the picture. On the median quantity surveyor salary of £52,537, your take-home pay in England (2026/27 tax year, assuming no pension sacrifice and no student loan) would be £41,029 per year – that’s £3,419 per month. This is after deducting £8,447 in Income Tax and £3,061 in National Insurance.

If you are a contractor working through an umbrella company, the calculation changes. For example, a hypothetical day rate of £500 for 220 days gives a headline £110,000, but after employer NI, umbrella margin, and PAYE, take-home is significantly lower – around £72,357 if paid entirely as salary, or less if inside IR35. Always use a contractor calculator for precise figures.

Market Context and Career Progression

The ONS data also shows that the middle half of quantity surveyors earn between £41,465 (25th percentile) and £67,203 (75th percentile). Achieving chartered status (MRICS) is a key milestone that pushes pay into the upper bracket. The recruitment report notes that 3–6 years’ experience with MRICS typically commands total average pay of £50,000+.

For comparison, the median full-time salary across all UK occupations was £39,039 in April 2025 (ONS ASHE). Quantity surveyors earn well above the national average, reflecting the specialist skills and qualifications required.

Statutory Minimum Wage Rates (April 2026)

It is useful to benchmark any salary against the legal minimums. From 1 April 2026, the rates are:

• National Living Wage (21+): £12.71 per hour
• National Minimum Wage (18–20): £10.85 per hour
• National Minimum Wage (under 18): £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice Rate: £8.00 per hour

Even the lowest advertised quantity surveyor roles comfortably exceed these rates, but if you are considering an apprenticeship or trainee position, check that your pay meets the statutory minimum.

Key Takeaways

• The median quantity surveyor salary is £52,537 per year (ONS 2025).
• Take-home on that salary is about £41,029 after tax and NI.
• Entry-level total average pay ranges from £25,000 to £30,000.
• Chartered surveyors with 3–6 years’ experience can earn £50,000+.
• Always consider car/travel allowances and pension contributions when comparing offers.

For more detailed pay data, visit our pay data page or explore topics related to construction careers. You can also check the UK Minimum Wage page for the latest statutory rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical quantity surveyor salary in the UK?

According to the latest ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (April 2025 provisional), the median full-time quantity surveyor salary is £52,537 per year. The middle half earn between £41,465 and £67,203. Entry-level roles (0–2 years) typically offer total average pay (basic plus car allowance) of £25,000–£30,000, while chartered surveyors with 3–6 years experience can earn £50,000 or more.

How does the quantity surveyor salary compare to the National Minimum Wage?

The National Living Wage for workers aged 21+ is £12.71 per hour from April 2026. A quantity surveyor on the median salary of £52,537 works out at roughly £27 per hour (based on a 37.5-hour week), well above the minimum. Even entry-level QS roles (£25,000–£30,000) equate to £13–£15 per hour, exceeding the NLW. However, some junior or apprentice roles may be closer to the minimum wage bands.

What is the take-home pay for a quantity surveyor on the median salary?

For a quantity surveyor earning the median £52,537 in England (2026/27 tax year, no pension sacrifice, no student loan), take-home pay is £41,029 per year (£3,419 per month). This is after deducting £8,447 in Income Tax and £3,061 in National Insurance. If you contribute to a pension via salary sacrifice, take-home will be lower but you save on tax and NI.