Civil Engineer vs Quantity Surveyor
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Civil Engineer earns 5% more than Quantity Surveyor
Median R 44 000/month vs R 42 000/month — a R 2 000/month difference
Civil Engineer
R 528 000/year
100% above SA workforce median
Quantity Surveyor
R 504 000/year
91% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Civil Engineer | Quantity Surveyor |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 22 000 | R 22 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 44 000 | R 42 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 75 000 | R 75 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Civil Engineer
South Africa's infrastructure backlog and government's infrastructure investment commitments mean consistent demand for civil engineers through the decade.
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 Civil Engineer or a Quantity Surveyor in South Africa?▾
A Civil Engineer earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Civil Engineer is R 44 000/month, compared to R 42 000/month for a Quantity Surveyor — a difference of R 2 000/month (5% higher).
What is the Civil Engineer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Civil Engineer salary in South Africa is R 44 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 28 000/month, mid-level pays R 35 000–R 58 000/month, and senior roles pay R 60 000–R 100 000/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 Civil 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.