From an assistant QS to a chartered MRICS surveyor or commercial director, enter your salary to see your take-home pay after Income Tax, National Insurance, pension and student loan for 2026/27.
Salary · pension · 2026/27
Quantity surveyor pay in the UK rises sharply once you become chartered with the RICS (MRICS). Assistant QSs start in the high twenties to mid-thirties, qualified QSs earn into the forties and fifties, and senior chartered surveyors, commercial managers and directors earn the most — especially in London and on major infrastructure or contractor roles. Both consultancy (PQS) and contractor-side roles are well paid.
| Role / level | Typical salary 2026 |
|---|---|
| Assistant quantity surveyor | £26,000 – £35,000 |
| Quantity surveyor | £38,000 – £50,000 |
| Senior / chartered (MRICS) QS | £50,000 – £65,000 |
| Commercial manager / director | £70,000 – £100,000+ |
Most employed quantity surveyors are paid through PAYE, which this calculator models. Becoming chartered (MRICS) typically lifts pay by several thousand pounds. Some experienced QSs work as day-rate contractors through their own limited company or an umbrella — model that with the contractor day rate calculator or contractor take-home calculator. RICS membership fees needed for your role may be allowable expenses.
An assistant QS earns £26,000–£35,000, a qualified QS £38,000–£50,000, and a senior chartered (MRICS) QS £50,000–£65,000. Commercial managers and directors earn £70,000–£100,000+, with a London premium.
Yes — RICS chartership (MRICS) usually lifts pay by several thousand pounds and unlocks senior, commercial-manager and director roles. It is one of the clearest routes to higher earnings.
Experienced QSs often contract via their own limited company or an umbrella, especially on major projects. Tax differs from PAYE — use the day rate and contractor take-home calculators.
On £50,000 with a 5% pension and no student loan, a QS takes home roughly £36,700 a year, about £3,060 a month. Enter your own figures above for a precise result.
