What is the minimum hourly rate for a quantity surveyor under the Surveying Award?

Under the Surveying Award 2020, quantity surveyors are typically classified at Level 4 or Level 5. As of 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rate for a Level 4 employee is $38.16, and for Level 5 it is $37.24. These rates apply to full-time and part-time employees. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $47.70 for Level 4 and $46.55 for Level 5.

How is casual loading applied to a quantity surveyor salary?

Casual employees under the Surveying Award receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For example, a Level 4 casual quantity surveyor would be paid $47.70 per hour for ordinary hours (compared to $38.16 for a permanent employee). This loading is intended to compensate for entitlements like paid leave. When using our timesheet calculator, you can check the 'casual loading' box to add 25% to your base rate.

What is the typical annual salary for a quantity surveyor in Australia?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (May 2026), full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings are $2,083.70. For a quantity surveyor working 38 hours per week, this equates to an hourly rate of about $54.83 and an annual gross salary of approximately $108,400. Actual salaries vary by experience, location, and employer. Many quantity surveyors are employed under enterprise agreements or individual contracts that may exceed award rates.

Quantity Surveyor Salary: Hourly Rates, Annual Pay, and Tax in 2026-27

For a quantity surveyor earning $54.83 per hour (based on ABS average weekly earnings of $2,083.70 for full-time adults), the annual gross pay for a 38-hour week is approximately $108,400 before tax and super.

Understanding the Quantity Surveyor Salary

If you are a quantity surveyor or considering a career in this field, understanding how your hourly rate translates into annual pay is essential. Whether you are negotiating a salary offer or checking your current pay, the formula is straightforward: multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours worked per week, then by 52 weeks. This article explains the key components of a quantity surveyor salary, including award rates, casual loading, tax, and superannuation.

Award Rates and the National Minimum Wage

The Surveying Award 2020 (MA000066) sets minimum pay rates for employees in the surveying industry, including quantity surveyors. As of 1 July 2026, the Fair Work Commission increased award rates by 4.75%. The award classifies workers into 12 levels. Quantity surveyors are typically classified at Level 4 or Level 5, depending on qualifications and responsibilities. The minimum hourly rate for Level 4 is $38.16, and for Level 5 it is $37.24.

For comparison, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Most quantity surveyors earn well above this, but the award provides a safety net. If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, the rates in that agreement apply instead.

Typical Quantity Surveyor Salary

While award rates set a floor, many quantity surveyors earn significantly more. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 in May 2026. For a 38-hour week, that is an hourly rate of $54.83. Using the formula hourly rate × hours per week × 52, the annual gross pay would be about $108,400. This is a useful benchmark for a typical quantity surveyor salary, though actual pay depends on experience, location, and specialisation.

If you are paid a salary, you can convert it to an hourly rate by dividing by 52 and then by your weekly hours. For part-time employees, the award applies pro-rata based on 38 ordinary hours for full-time.

Casual Loading and Fortnightly Pay

Casual employees under the Surveying Award receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For example, a Level 4 casual quantity surveyor would be paid $47.70 per hour (125% of $38.16). This loading compensates for not receiving paid leave. When using our timesheet, you can check the 'casual loading' box to add 25% to your base rate. Never enter a rate that already includes the loading.

If you are paid fortnightly, your gross pay is simply your weekly pay multiplied by 2. For a typical full-time quantity surveyor earning $2,083.70 per week, that would be $4,167.40 per fortnight.

Tax and Superannuation

Tax is calculated using the 2026-27 resident rates: nil up to $18,200, 15% from $18,201 to $45,000, 30% to $45,000, 37% to $135,000, and 45% above $190,000. The Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. For a quantity surveyor earning $108,400, the tax (including Medicare) would be approximately $24,867 plus Medicare $2,168, total $26,867. The actual amount may differ if you have HELP loans or salary packaging.

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings at 12% of ordinary earnings, capped at $270,830 per year. For a $108,400 salary, that is $13,008 in super, paid into your fund. This is an estimate, not a determination.

Using the Timesheet Calculator

Our [hourly conversion](/topics/hourly-conversion] helps you calculate annual, fortnightly, and monthly pay. You can also view [pay guides](/blog] for award rates and [reference tables](/data] for ABS earnings. For a quantity surveyor salary, use the base hourly rate and adjust for casual loading if applicable.

Disclaimer

Annual pay here is hourly rate × hours per week × 52. It assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax is the 2026-27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025-26 single reduction thresholds because the 2027-27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.