Quantity Surveying (QS) Salary Guide 2026

Quantity surveyors are integral to the financial management of construction projects. This guide covers UK salaries for QS professionals from graduate to Commercial Director, based on JustEng’s 2026 placement data.

QS Salary Ranges — UK 2026

Level	Typical Salary	Experience
Graduate QS	£26,000 – £33,000	0 – 2 years
QS / Junior QS	£33,000 – £45,000	2 – 5 years
Senior QS	£45,000 – £65,000	5 – 10 years
Associate / PQS	£65,000 – £85,000	10 – 15 years
Commercial Manager / Director	£85,000 – £120,000+	15+ years

Contractor vs Consultancy Pay

Main contractor QS roles typically pay 10–15% more than PQS consultancies at equivalent levels, reflecting the commercial risk carried. MRICS or AssocRICS status accelerates progression significantly. Sectors with current premium pay include data centres, healthcare, nuclear and infrastructure.