Lawyer / Attorney vs Quantity Surveyor
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Lawyer / Attorney earns 19% more than Quantity Surveyor
Median R 50 000/month vs R 42 000/month — a R 8 000/month difference
Lawyer / Attorney
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 | Lawyer / Attorney | Quantity Surveyor |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 15 000 | R 22 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 50 000 | R 42 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 130 000 | R 75 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Lawyer / Attorney
Corporate transactional and regulatory law remains in demand, driven by M&A activity, FSCA regulation, and BEE compliance work. Employment law and commercial dispute resolution are consistently busy.
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 Lawyer / Attorney or a Quantity Surveyor in South Africa?▾
A Lawyer / Attorney earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Lawyer / Attorney 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 Lawyer / Attorney salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Lawyer / Attorney salary in South Africa is R 50 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 10 000–R 22 000/month, mid-level pays R 35 000–R 70 000/month, and senior roles pay R 80 000–R 250 000/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 Lawyer / Attorney 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.