QS salaries at every stage in 2026, the MRICS chartership premium, and what each level takes home after tax.
Quantity surveying remains one of construction's most reliable career paths, with a persistent skills shortage supporting pay. The UK average is around £45,000; graduates start at £25,000–£30,000, chartered QSs (MRICS) earn £50,000–£65,000, and commercial managers £70,000–£85,000+. London and major infrastructure projects pay 10–20% more.
| Level | Typical salary | Take-home / year | Take-home / month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate / assistant QS | £27,000 | £22,960 | £1,913 |
| QS (average) | £45,000 | £35,920 | £2,993 |
| Senior QS (MRICS) | £58,000 | £44,197 | £3,683 |
| Managing / principal QS | £68,000 | £49,997 | £4,166 |
| Commercial manager | £80,000 | £56,957 | £4,746 |
Take-home figures use 2026/27 England/Wales/NI rates (Income Tax + employee NI only, standard tax code, no pension or student loan). Model your exact situation with our Take-Home Pay Calculator.
Freelance quantity surveyors command £300–£500/day, and demand is strong on major projects. Whether freelancing beats employment depends heavily on IR35 status and utilisation — a £400/day inside-IR35 role via an umbrella often nets less than a £65,000 staff job with pension and car allowance. Compare with our IR35 Calculator.
The UK average is around £45,000 — graduates start near £27,000, chartered senior QSs earn £50,000–£65,000, and commercial managers £70,000–£85,000+.
Typically £8,000–£12,000 and access to senior grades — it's the single biggest pay lever in the profession.
£300–£500/day is common, but inside-IR35 umbrella deductions and unpaid gaps can leave you behind a good staff package — always model both.