Quantity Surveyor Salary: Award Rates and National Minimum Wage Comparison
Find out how quantity surveyor salary compares to the national minimum wage and award rates under the Surveying Award 2020. See salary index figures and industry context.
Median weekly earnings for quantity surveyors are not published by the ABS, but the Surveying Award 2020 sets minimum rates from $26.44/hr (index 48.2) up to $49.09/hr (index 89.5) for professional surveyors, well above the national minimum wage.
What is a quantity surveyor salary?
A quantity surveyor salary is the pay for professionals who estimate and monitor construction costs from feasibility through to project completion. They work with architects, engineers, and builders to prepare cost plans, tender documents, and manage budgets. In Australia, most quantity surveyors are employed in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services or Construction, according to Jobs and Skills Australia.
This article looks at how a quantity surveyor salary compares to the national minimum wage and the minimum rates set by the Surveying Award 2020. The writing angle is awards versus the national minimum wage, so we focus on the award floor and where it sits on the Salary Index.
The Surveying Award 2020 and minimum rates
The Surveying Award 2020 (MA000066) covers professional surveyors, including quantity surveyors, and sets minimum pay rates for different classification levels. As of 1 July 2026, the award rates range from Level 12 ($26.44 per hour) up to Level 1 ($49.09 per hour). The national minimum wage is also $26.44 per hour, so the lowest award level matches the legal floor. But a qualified quantity surveyor will be classified at a higher level, typically Level 10 (graduate) or Level 1 (experienced professional).
Here are some key award rates (full-time weekly):
- Level 12: $1,004.90 (index 48.2)
- Level 10: $1,119.10 (index 51.6)
- Level 5: $1,415.00 (index 65.3)
- Level 1: $1,865.60 (index 86.1)
These are minimums. The award also provides for incremental advancement for licensed surveyors (clause A.15.2). Actual quantity surveyor salaries are often higher, especially in the private sector.
How the salary index applies
The Salary Index compares annual gross earnings to the national line of $108,352 (index 100). For a quantity surveyor paid at the award Level 1 rate ($49.09/hr) working 38 hours a week, annualised pay is about $97,011, giving an index of 89.5. That is well above the national minimum wage index of 48.2, but below the national average. However, the industry where most quantity surveyors work – Professional, Scientific and Technical Services – has an index of 114.7, suggesting many earn above the award.
Because the ABS does not publish median weekly earnings for quantity surveyors (the figure is marked N/A due to high relative standard error), we cannot give a precise occupation-wide index. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile shows 3,500 employed, 87% full-time, average 43 hours per week, median age 37, and 25% female.
Superannuation and tax considerations
From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% on top of gross pay, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a quantity surveyor earning $97,011 at award Level 1, the employer would contribute about $11,641 per year to super. That is not included in the salary index, which measures ordinary-time earnings before super.
For a resident employee, the 2026–27 tax rates (excluding Medicare) are: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above $190,000. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. On $97,011, the estimated tax (with tax-free threshold) is about $20,867 plus Medicare $1,940, leaving a take-home of about $74,204. These are estimates and ignore HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge.
Award versus national minimum wage: the gap
The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour. The Surveying Award Level 1 rate is 86% higher at $49.09 per hour. Even a graduate quantity surveyor at Level 10 ($29.45/hr) is 11% above the minimum. This shows that the award provides a meaningful premium for skilled professionals. However, the award is a floor, not a ceiling. Many quantity surveyors in the construction industry earn significantly more, especially those with experience and professional memberships.
Industry and state comparisons
Quantity surveyors are concentrated in two main industries: Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (index 114.7) and Construction. The [industries](/industries] page shows Construction has an index of 97.9, but that includes all occupations. The professional services index of 114.7 suggests above-average earnings for the sector.
State-by-state, the states page shows variations: ACT index 109.9, WA 106.9, NSW 101.2, VIC 98, QLD 97.9, SA 94.6, TAS 88.6, NT 95.2. A quantity surveyor in Canberra or Perth may earn more than the national average, while Tasmania may be lower. But these are overall state benchmarks, not occupation-specific.
Practical example: award rates in action
Consider a quantity surveyor working for a surveying firm covered by the Surveying Award. They are classified as a Level 1 professional surveyor after gaining experience and registration. Their minimum weekly pay is $1,865.60 for 38 hours. If they work the average 43 hours per week (as per Jobs and Skills Australia), overtime and penalty rates apply under the award. The award provides 250% for public holidays, and other penalty rates for weekends (see Schedule B). This can push actual earnings well above the base rate.
For a graduate quantity surveyor at Level 10, the minimum hourly rate is $29.45. After 12 months, they may advance to Level 8 ($33.77/hr) or higher. The award structure encourages progression.
Where to find current pay rates
The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for each award, including the Surveying Award. These guides have the minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates. They are updated when award rates change (usually 1 July each year). Always check the latest pay guide for your classification.
Summary
A quantity surveyor salary under the Surveying Award is well above the national minimum wage. The award floor for a professional surveyor (Level 1) is $49.09 per hour, index 89.5, compared to the national minimum of $26.44 (index 48.2). However, median earnings for the occupation are not published, so the true average may be higher. The salary index helps put any figure in context against the national line of $108,352. For personalised advice, consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or a workplace relations specialist.
Questions people ask
Does the Surveying Award cover all quantity surveyors?
The Surveying Award 2020 covers employers in the surveying industry and their employees who are professional surveyors, including quantity surveyors. However, some quantity surveyors may be covered by other awards or enterprise agreements depending on their employer and duties. Check the award coverage clause or use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to confirm.
How does the quantity surveyor salary compare to the national minimum wage?
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour (index 48.2). Under the Surveying Award, the lowest classification (Level 12) matches that rate, but a professional quantity surveyor is typically classified at a higher level. For example, a Level 1 professional surveyor earns $49.09 per hour (index 89.5), nearly double the national minimum. Actual salaries often exceed award minima, especially in the professional services and construction industries.
What is the salary index for a quantity surveyor?
The salary index compares annual gross earnings to the national line of $108,352 (index 100). For a quantity surveyor paid at the Surveying Award Level 1 rate ($49.09/hr, 38-hour week), annualised pay is about $97,011, giving an index of 89.5. However, many quantity surveyors earn above the award, and the industry benchmark (Professional, Scientific and Technical Services) has an index of 114.7. Without median earnings data, the index is uncertain for the occupation as a whole.