Project Manager vs Quantity Surveyor
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Project Manager earns 10% more than Quantity Surveyor
Median R 46 000/month vs R 42 000/month — a R 4 000/month difference
Project Manager
R 552 000/year
109% above SA workforce median
Quantity Surveyor
R 504 000/year
91% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Project Manager | Quantity Surveyor |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 23 000 | R 22 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 46 000 | R 42 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 85 000 | R 75 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Project Manager
Demand for experienced project managers is consistent across all sectors, with IT and infrastructure projects driving most growth in South Africa.
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 Project Manager or a Quantity Surveyor in South Africa?▾
A Project Manager earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Project Manager is R 46 000/month, compared to R 42 000/month for a Quantity Surveyor — a difference of R 4 000/month (10% higher).
What is the Project Manager salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Project Manager salary in South Africa is R 46 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 30 000/month, mid-level pays R 35 000–R 60 000/month, and senior roles pay R 65 000–R 120 000/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 Project Manager 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.