Does the Surveying Award cover all quantity surveyors?

Not necessarily. The Surveying Award 2020 covers employers and employees in the professional surveying industry as defined in the award. Quantity surveyors whose duties align with professional surveying (e.g., estimating and monitoring construction costs) may be covered, but others may fall under different awards such as the Building and Construction General On-site Award or the Professional Employees Award, or may be award-free if no award applies. You should check the classification definitions and your specific duties.

How does superannuation affect the quantity surveyor salary?

Superannuation is paid on top of the salary. Under the Superannuation Guarantee, employers must contribute 12% of ordinary time earnings (as of 1 July 2026) into a complying super fund. This is not deducted from the quoted wage or salary. For example, if the award minimum weekly rate is $1,119.10, the employer must also pay about $134.29 in super, making the total cost to the employer $1,253.39 per week.

Can an enterprise agreement set a higher rate than the award?

Yes. An enterprise agreement can provide higher pay and better conditions than the relevant award. If a quantity surveyor is covered by a registered enterprise agreement, that agreement's rates apply instead of the award minimums, provided they are not less than the award. Additionally, individual employment contracts can negotiate above the award or agreement floor, but cannot undercut them.

Quantity Surveyor Salary: Which Pay Floor Applies in Australia?

The minimum pay for a quantity surveyor covered by the Surveying Award 2020 ranges from $26.44 to $49.09 per hour depending on classification, with the national minimum wage at $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026.

Understanding the Quantity Surveyor Salary in Australia

When researching the quantity surveyor salary in Australia, it is important to separate the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated salaries. This guide explains which pay floor applies and what people often mix up.

The Legal Minimum: National Minimum Wage

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time employee working 38 ordinary hours. This is the absolute floor for award-free and agreement-free national-system employees. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing the casual rate to $33.05 per hour. However, most quantity surveyors are covered by a modern award, which sets higher minimums.

The Award Minimum: Surveying Award 2020

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the Surveying Award 2020 (MA000066), which covers professional surveyors and related employees. Quantity surveyors whose duties fall within the award's definition of professional surveying are entitled to the rates in this award. The classification structure ranges from Level 12 (lowest) to Level 1 (highest). For example, a graduate quantity surveyor may be classified at Level 10, with a minimum weekly rate of $1,119.10 and an hourly rate of $29.45. More experienced or senior surveyors at Level 1 earn $1,865.60 per week ($49.09 per hour). These rates are higher than the national minimum and apply from 1 July 2026.

Importantly, the award includes incremental advancement for professional surveyors based on experience (clause A.15.2). Employees with relevant qualifications but no prior experience start at a percentage of the relevant level (e.g., 77% of Level 7 for a diploma graduate). After gaining experience, they progress to the full rate.

How Superannuation Fits In

Superannuation is an employer contribution paid on top of the salary. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026). For a quantity surveyor earning the Level 10 award rate of $1,119.10 per week, the employer must also pay $134.29 into a super fund. The total employment cost is therefore $1,253.39 per week. When comparing salary offers, remember that the quoted figure is usually before super.

Beyond the Minimum: Negotiated Salaries and Enterprise Agreements

Many quantity surveyors earn above the award minimum. Enterprise agreements registered with the Fair Work Commission can set higher rates and better conditions. Individual contracts can also negotiate above the award floor. The Fair Work Commission maintains the Modern Awards Pay Database, which contains the calculated minimum rates, allowances, overtime, and penalty rates. Employers and employees can use this database to check the correct award entitlements.

What the Data Shows

The Jobs and Skills Australia profile for quantity surveyors (ANZSCO 233213) provides useful context. According to the ABS 2021 Census, 87% of quantity surveyors work full-time, with average full-time hours of 43 per week. The median age is 37 years, and 25% of the workforce is female. The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) does not publish a specific median weekly earnings figure for quantity surveyors, but the award rates provide a reliable floor. Typical salaries in the market are often higher, reflecting experience, location, and the complexity of projects.

Which Minimum Wage Applies?

To determine the correct pay floor, first check if a modern award covers the role. If the Surveying Award applies, use the classification rates in that award. If no award applies, the national minimum wage is the fallback. Enterprise agreements override awards but cannot provide less than the award. Always confirm with the Which minimum wage applies guide or consult the Rate tables for current figures. Remember that junior employees, apprentices, and trainees may be paid less under specific provisions.

In summary, the quantity surveyor salary in Australia is governed by a hierarchy: award rates (typically higher than the national minimum), enterprise agreements, and individual negotiations. Superannuation is paid on top. For the most accurate information, refer to the official sources mentioned above.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.