Building surveyor salary: award minimums and the national line
How a building surveyor salary compares to the national minimum wage and award rates under the Surveying Award 2020. See where the index sits.
The building surveyor salary is not published as a median figure, but award minimums range from index 48.2 to 89.5.
Building surveyor salary and the award floor
A building surveyor salary is not a single figure. It depends on qualifications, registration, experience, and whether the role is covered by the Surveying Award 2020. This guide explains how the award sets a minimum, how that compares to the national minimum wage, and where it sits on the Salary Index.
What the Surveying Award says
The Surveying Award 2020 covers employers who employ professional surveyors and other employees in classifications listed in Schedule A. A professional surveyor includes graduate surveyors and licensed or registered surveyors. The award sets minimum weekly rates for 12 levels, from Level 12 (the lowest) to Level 1 (the highest). As of 1 July 2026, these rates are:
- Level 12: $1004.90/week (index 48.2)
- Level 10: $1119.10/week (index 53.7)
- Level 5: $1415.00/week (index 67.9)
- Level 2: $1654.40/week (index 79.4)
- Level 1: $1865.60/week (index 89.5)
A building surveyor who is a licensed or registered professional surveyor would typically be classified at Level 2 or Level 1. The award also provides for incremental advancement (clause A.15.2), meaning pay increases with experience.
How the national minimum wage fits
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1004.90 per week, annualised $52,255. That gives an index of 48.2. Every award classification in the Surveying Award pays above this, except Level 12 which is exactly the national minimum. So a building surveyor on award rates is always earning more than the legal floor.
Where the building surveyor salary sits on the index
The Salary Index compares gross annual earnings to the national line of $108,352 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, May 2026). For a building surveyor on the highest award rate (Level 1), annualised pay is about $97,011, giving an index of 89.5. That is below the national average but above many service industries. For comparison, the professional, scientific and technical services industry has an index of 114.7, suggesting many surveyors in private practice earn above award.
What about median earnings?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish median weekly earnings for surveyors (ANZSCO 232212) because the sample size is too small. Jobs and Skills Australia also notes that median figures are not available. This means the building surveyor salary is harder to benchmark than occupations with larger workforces. The award rates are the only public minimums.
State and industry differences
A building surveyor salary can vary by location. The states page shows that Western Australia has an index of 106.9 and the ACT 109.9, while Tasmania is 88.6. A surveyor working in mining (industry index 154.7) may earn more than one in construction. The award applies nationally, but enterprise agreements or individual contracts may offer more.
Superannuation and tax
Award rates are base pay. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%, paid on top. For a building surveyor on Level 1, that adds about $223.87 per week. Income tax for 2026–27 (resident, with tax-free threshold) on $97,011 would be roughly $22,000 plus 2% Medicare levy. Take-home pay after tax and Medicare is about $73,000, or $1,404 per week.
How to use this information
If you are negotiating a building surveyor salary, start with the award minimum for your classification. Then consider your registration, experience, and location. The pay guides from Fair Work Ombudsman have the latest award rates. For a broader view, see how the index works and compare with industries.
The bottom line
The building surveyor salary under the Surveying Award ranges from index 48.2 to 89.5, but actual earnings are often higher. The award ensures a floor above the national minimum wage, but the lack of median data means you need to rely on industry benchmarks and negotiation.
Questions people ask
What is the minimum wage for a building surveyor under the Surveying Award?
Under the Surveying Award 2020, minimum weekly rates range from $1004.90 (Level 12) to $1865.60 (Level 1) as of 1 July 2026. A building surveyor who is a professional surveyor would likely be classified at a higher level, such as Level 2 ($1654.40/week) or Level 1 ($1865.60/week), depending on registration and experience.
How does the building surveyor salary compare to the national average?
The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $2083.70/week (index 100). The highest award rate for a building surveyor (Level 1) is $1865.60/week, which gives an index of about 89.5. However, many building surveyors earn above the award, potentially bringing their salary closer to or above the national average, especially in the professional services industry (index 114.7).
Does the building surveyor salary include superannuation?
Award rates are base pay before super. Under the Surveying Award, employers must contribute superannuation (currently 12% from 1 July 2026) on top of the minimum wage. So a building surveyor on Level 1 ($1865.60/week) would also receive about $223.87/week in super, making total employment cost $2089.47/week.