Chemical Engineer vs Quantity Surveyor
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Chemical Engineer earns 19% more than Quantity Surveyor
Median R 50 000/month vs R 42 000/month — a R 8 000/month difference
Chemical Engineer
R 600 000/year
127% above SA workforce median
Quantity Surveyor
R 504 000/year
91% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Chemical Engineer | Quantity Surveyor |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 25 000 | R 22 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 50 000 | R 42 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 82 000 | R 75 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers with mining, water treatment, and green hydrogen expertise are especially sought after as SA transitions its energy and industrial base.
Quantity Surveyor
Government infrastructure investment keeps QS demand robust. Housing backlogs and private sector commercial development continue to create work. Skilled PrQSs are a scarce resource.
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Chemical Engineer or a Quantity Surveyor in South Africa?▾
A Chemical Engineer earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Chemical Engineer is R 50 000/month, compared to R 42 000/month for a Quantity Surveyor — a difference of R 8 000/month (19% higher).
What is the Chemical Engineer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Chemical Engineer salary in South Africa is R 50 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 20 000–R 32 000/month, mid-level pays R 38 000–R 65 000/month, and senior roles pay R 65 000–R 110 000/month.
What is the Quantity Surveyor salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Quantity Surveyor salary in South Africa is R 42 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 28 000/month, mid-level pays R 32 000–R 55 000/month, and senior roles pay R 60 000–R 100 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Chemical Engineer or Quantity Surveyor?▾
Use the Rand Tools PAYE calculator. Enter the gross monthly salary and it will calculate your exact take-home pay after PAYE income tax, UIF (1% of gross, capped at R177.12/month), and any pension or medical aid contributions.