Qualified surveyors enjoy excellent career prospects and job satisfaction, with responsibilities and duties taking place indoors, outdoors, or a mix of both. You could find a chartered surveyor job working for a construction or building business, surveying firms, a private practice, or in the public sector, with a local government office.
An exciting opportunity awaits with many specialities and diversifications, identified by job titles such as graduate surveyor, qualified surveyor, chartered building surveyor, energy surveyor, or engineer surveyor. You can enter the profession through a surveying technician apprenticeship, by completing a construction, structural or civil engineering, maths, geography, economics, or land studies degree, also completing a conversion course or chartered surveyor status training with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
So, if you are a student aiming to join the ranks of graduate surveyors, fit the category of newly qualified surveyors intending to build professional competence, or are a chartered member seeking top salaries or a partner-level opportunity, our career advice is invaluable. We share how you can earn more, along with our average salary data for chartered surveyors, building surveyors, quantity surveyors and many other surveyors and surveying job titles.
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Highlights And Key Takeaways:
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How much do surveyors make? The average Chartered Surveyor salary is £56,837 per year.
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The average surveyor salary is £40,204 annually.
HOW MUCH SURVEYORS GET PAID - SURVEYOR SALARIES
So, how much do surveyors earn? Here are the surveyor salaries for the most popular surveyor jobs:
QUANTITY SURVEYOR PAY
The average salary of a Quantity Surveyor is £52,600 per year. A Quantity Surveyor is responsible for managing all costs related to construction projects, including estimating budgets, monitoring expenses, and negotiating contracts with contractors and suppliers. They also analyse data to ensure projects are completed within budget and advise clients on cost-effective solutions.
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SURVEYOR PAY
The average salary of a Surveyor is £42,800 per year. A Surveyor is a professional who measures, maps and analyses data related to land, buildings, and other physical features. They use specialised equipment to accurately measure distances and angles and create detailed maps and plans for construction, mining, and other industries.
BUILDING SURVEYOR PAY
The average salary of a Building Surveyor is £46,300 per year. A Building Surveyor is responsible for assessing the condition of buildings and making recommendations for repairs or improvements. They ensure that buildings comply with safety regulations and building codes, and they provide advice on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
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ASSISTANT QUANTITY SURVEYOR PAY
The average salary of an Assistant Quantity Surveyor is £32,700 per year. An Assistant Quantity Surveyor works under the supervision of a senior Quantity Surveyor and helps with cost estimating, budget management, and contract negotiations.
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LAND SURVEYOR PAY
The average salary of a Land Surveyor is £41,900 per year. A Land Surveyor measures and maps land boundaries, contours, and other physical features for various purposes, including construction, mining, and land development.
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ENGINEER SURVEYOR PAY
The average salary of an Engineer Surveyor is £46,800 per year. An Engineer Surveyor inspects machinery and equipment, ensuring they meet safety and regulatory standards. They also advise on maintenance and repair needs and perform risk assessments.
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ENVIRONMENT ASBESTOS SURVEYOR PAY
The average salary of an Environment Asbestos Surveyor is £30,000 per year. An Environment Asbestos Surveyor identifies and assesses the presence of asbestos in buildings and advises on safe removal and disposal procedures.
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QUANTITY AND COSTS SURVEYOR PAY
The average salary of a Quantity and Costs Surveyor is £18,100 per year. A Quantity and Costs Surveyor is responsible for managing costs related to construction projects, including budgeting, estimating, and cost analysis.
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SURVEYING TECHNICIAN PAY
The average salary of a Surveying Technician is £35,100 per year. A Surveying Technician assists Surveyors with data collection, analysis, and mapping. They operate surveying equipment and computer software to help produce accurate maps and plans. They may liaise with other professionals, such as architects and building regulations personnel.
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REAL ESTATE SURVEYOR PAY
The average salary of a Real Estate Surveyor is £35,800 per year. A Real Estate Surveyor assesses the value of properties and provides advice on real estate investment and development opportunities.
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CONSTRUCTION QUANTITY SURVEYOR PAY
The average salary of a Construction Quantity Surveyor is £28,100 per year. A Construction Quantity Surveyor manages costs related to construction projects, including budgeting, estimating, and cost analysis. They also negotiate contracts with contractors and suppliers and advise on cost-effective solutions.
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ASBESTOS SURVEYOR PAY
The average salary of an Asbestos Surveyor is £31,000 per year. The role of an Asbestos Surveyor involves detecting and evaluating the existence of asbestos within buildings, as well as providing recommendations for the secure elimination and disposal of the hazardous material.
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ENERGY SURVEYOR PAY
The average salary of an Energy Surveyor is £32,200 per year. An Energy Surveyor assesses the energy efficiency of buildings and provides advice on ways to reduce energy costs and improve efficiency.
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MARINE ENGINEERING SURVEYOR PAY
The average salary of a Marine Engineering Surveyor is £41,700 per year. A Marine Engineering Surveyor inspects ships and other marine structures to ensure they meet safety and regulatory standards. They also advise on maintenance and repair needs and perform risk assessments.
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HOW MUCH DO SURVEYOR JOBS PAY?
The average chartered surveyor salary in the United Kingdom is approximately £45,600 per year. The professional has a wide salary band, with graduate salaries from £24,000 per annum. The qualified surveyor role for professionals with years of experience can offer a range of up to £75,000. Benefits can add to the total compensation of a building surveyor or graduate property surveyor, with car allowance or hybrid working options adding a rewarding perk to the average base salary.
Different positions have their average base salary, with a mapping technician earning £38,900, a hydrographic surveyor earning £48,600, and a geodetic surveyor earning £42,300 per year.
The region will also affect how much quantity, land, and building surveyors get paid. A company in Central London may offer the highest salaries, but average wages are also excellent in Reading, Birmingham, Coventry, and Sheffield. However, graduates and current workers should carefully consider the differences in the cost of living in areas such as Central London.
HOW TO EARN MORE AS A SURVEYOR
We recommend following our construction career advice to progress your surveying career and earn more as a surveyor. Our career advice resources include advice on how to ask for a salary rise and free CV templates.
You may earn a higher chartered surveyor salary in the construction sector through:
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Age and experience: Surveyors earn higher salaries as they gain maximum experience, which usually occurs in the age bracket of 40-49. Average wages decline from 50 onwards.
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Geographical region/city: A surveyor’s salary varies by region, so we recommend checking the average wage for areas such as Inner London, Outer London, and cities excluding London across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
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Further qualifications and skills: Your education and continued personal development is crucial in earning more. Securing new qualifications, certifications, and RICS membership can help you get a pay rise, internal, or external promotion. Training and support is available through organisations such as the Chartered Surveyors Training Trust, Chartered Association of Building Engineers, Chartered Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors, or Chartered Institute of Building.
If you seek one of the highest-paid jobs in the UK, begin your job search here.
SURVEYOR AVERAGE SALARY FAQS
Here we answer your questions on surveyor salaries and pay.
HOW MUCH DOES A SURVEYOR MAKE IN UK?
According to our latest data, the average salary for a surveyor in the UK is £45,600 per year, depending on experience and location. However, the exact salary can vary depending on the type of surveying work, industry, and employer.
WHAT TYPE OF SURVEYOR EARNS THE MOST?
The type of surveyor that earns the most can depend on various factors such as the industry, the location, and the level of experience. Generally, the highest-earning surveyors are those who specialise in complex areas such as quantity surveying, geomatics, and construction project management. Other highly paid specialisations include land and hydrographic surveying. However, it's worth noting that the demand and earning potential can also vary depending on the region and market.
IS SURVEYING A GOOD CAREER?
Surveying can be a rewarding and fulfilling career for those interested in working in the built environment, property and construction sectors. It offers a diverse range of specialisations and opportunities for career progression, along with the satisfaction of contributing to the development of communities and infrastructure. However, the career can also be challenging, and demanding, and may require long hours and fieldwork.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A SURVEYOR?
Becoming a surveyor typically requires a degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject such as geomatics, civil engineering, or building surveying. The duration of the course can vary depending on the level of study and institution, ranging from 2 to 5 years. Additionally, most employers prefer candidates with relevant work experience, professional qualifications, and membership to a relevant professional body such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Overall, becoming a surveyor can take around 4-8 years of study and work experience.
ARE SURVEYORS IN DEMAND UK?
Surveyors are in high demand across the UK, particularly those with Chartered Status and a RICS accredited degree. The construction industry's ongoing focus on sustainable construction, alongside the need to maintain and restore historic buildings, has heightened the demand for skilled surveyors. Property developers and commercial property owners rely heavily on surveyors for expert advice on planning applications, assessing the environmental impact of projects, and for insurance purposes. The need for surveyors who can work closely with clients in the South East and other regions, offering guidance on a range of projects from new developments to conservation work, underscores the breadth of opportunities in this field. This demand is also reflected in the recommended jobs listings across various platforms, highlighting the need for professionals with relevant experience in surveying and related fields, underscoring the importance of continuous professional development in this career path.
WHAT DOES A CHARTERED BUILDING SURVEYOR DO?
A Chartered Building Surveyor plays a crucial role in the construction and property industry, working closely with property developers, commercial property owners, and individuals to provide expert advice on buildings and land. With a RICS accredited degree and Chartered Status, these professionals are recognised for their expertise in sustainable construction, the conservation of historic buildings, and the management of property developments. Their responsibilities include conducting detailed surveys for insurance purposes, advising on planning applications, assessing the environmental impact of proposed developments, and ensuring compliance with building regulations. Chartered Building Surveyors ensure that construction projects meet legal and quality standards, offering a blend of technical knowledge and practical experience in their field.
HOW MUCH DO TOWN PLANNERS EARN UK?
Town Planners in the UK can expect to earn an average salary of £34,602 per year, with slight regional variations reflecting the cost of living and demand for expertise. For instance, in the South East, the average salary is £34,096, while in London, the figure is slightly higher at £36,396 per year. These professionals are instrumental in shaping how cities and towns develop, working on various planning applications, from commercial property developments to sustainable urban expansion projects. Their role requires a deep understanding of both the environmental impact and community needs, ensuring that developments are designed with the future in mind. The demand for skilled Town Planners is consistent across the UK, reflecting the ongoing need for thoughtful and sustainable development planning.
WHAT ARE SURVEYING APPRENTICESHIPS?
Surveying apprenticeships offer an alternative route into the profession, combining on-the-job training with study towards a RICS accredited degree or a related qualification. These programmes are designed for individuals seeking hands-on experience in surveying, from sustainable construction practices to assessing historic buildings, while pursuing formal education. An advanced apprenticeship in surveying can lead to Chartered Status upon completion, providing a solid foundation for a career in this demanding and rewarding field. Apprentices work closely with experienced professionals, gaining the relevant experience and skills to succeed in various surveying roles, including property development, commercial property management, and environmental impact assessment. Surveying apprenticeships are highly recommended for those interested in a career in surveying but wish to gain practical experience alongside their professional development.
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