Quantity Surveyor vs Mechanical Engineer
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Mechanical Engineer earns 5% more than Quantity Surveyor
Median R 44 000/month vs R 42 000/month — a R 2 000/month difference
Quantity Surveyor
R 504 000/year
91% above SA workforce median
Mechanical Engineer
R 528 000/year
100% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Quantity Surveyor | Mechanical Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 22 000 | R 22 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 42 000 | R 44 000 |
| 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
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.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers remain in steady demand, with particular growth in renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicles, and South Africa's manufacturing sector.
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 Quantity Surveyor or a Mechanical Engineer in South Africa?▾
A Mechanical Engineer earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Mechanical 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 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.
What is the Mechanical Engineer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Mechanical Engineer salary in South Africa is R 44 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 27 000/month, mid-level pays R 35 000–R 57 000/month, and senior roles pay R 58 000–R 100 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Quantity Surveyor or Mechanical Engineer?▾
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.