Detective (SAPS) vs Quantity Surveyor
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Quantity Surveyor earns 100% more than Detective (SAPS)
Median R 42 000/month vs R 21 000/month — a R 21 000/month difference
Detective (SAPS)
R 252 000/year
5% below SA workforce median
Quantity Surveyor
R 504 000/year
91% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Detective (SAPS) | Quantity Surveyor |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 14 000 | R 22 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 21 000 | R 42 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 33 000 | R 75 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Detective (SAPS)
SAPS detective posts are government-funded; growth is tied to budget allocations. The SAPS is chronically understaffed in detective capacity, with slow resolution of this gap.
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.
See your actual take-home pay
Enter any gross salary to calculate PAYE, UIF, and net pay after deductions.
Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Detective (SAPS) or a Quantity Surveyor in South Africa?▾
A Quantity Surveyor earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Quantity Surveyor is R 42 000/month, compared to R 21 000/month for a Detective (SAPS) — a difference of R 21 000/month (100% higher).
What is the Detective (SAPS) salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Detective (SAPS) salary in South Africa is R 21 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 12 000–R 17 000/month, mid-level pays R 17 000–R 26 000/month, and senior roles pay R 25 000–R 45 000/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 Detective (SAPS) 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.