Quantity Surveyor Salaries 2026: Are We Seeing a Shift in What Candidates Really Value?

Salary has always been one of the biggest conversations within the Quantity Surveying market. Whether we are speaking to candidates considering their next move or employers looking to attract and retain talent, remuneration remains a key factor in almost every recruitment conversation.

Our recent Salary Survey highlights just how important salary continues to be for Quantity Surveyors. Nearly 90% of respondents identified a higher salary as one of the main motivators for leaving their current employer, demonstrating that financial reward remains the strongest driver when professionals consider a move.

However, the survey also highlighted an interesting challenge for the market: less than half of Quantity Surveyors said they were satisfied with their current salary.

This tells us that whilst salaries have not fallen, many professionals still feel there is a gap between where they are currently paid and where they believe their market value sits.

So, what does this mean for employers and candidates in 2026?

Salaries haven't fallen, but have they reached a plateau?

Over the past few years, the Quantity Surveying market experienced significant salary movement. Strong demand for experienced professionals, skills shortages and increased project activity meant many candidates were able to secure substantial increases when changing roles.

Today, the landscape feels different.

Having spoken with hundreds of Quantity Surveyors and hiring managers, our view is that salaries have largely held firm, but the pace of growth has slowed. We are seeing a period of stabilisation rather than decline, particularly in the Built Environment.

There will always be exceptional candidates who command a premium. Those with specialist expertise, strong client relationships, sector knowledge or proven leadership capability will continue to attract competitive offers.

However, employers are becoming more selective, and not every move will automatically result in a significant salary increase.

Why are employers being more cautious?

The construction consultancy market has become more commercially focused.

Many businesses have tightened their approach to recruitment, with clients demanding greater value and organisations looking carefully at every investment they make.

A new hire is no longer simply about filling a gap. Employers want to understand:

• Will this person add value to the team?
• Can they build strong client relationships?
• Will they contribute to winning and delivering projects?
• Do they have the experience to make an immediate impact?
• Are they aligned with the company's long-term goals?

This means recruitment decisions are being scrutinised more carefully, and salary offers are increasingly linked to the value a candidate can bring rather than simply matching previous market increases.

What does this mean for Quantity Surveyors?

The survey results show that salary remains a major motivation, and it is completely understandable that professionals want to be rewarded fairly for their skills and experience.

However, candidates should also consider the wider opportunity when making career decisions.

A move purely for a higher salary does not always guarantee long-term success.

The strongest career moves usually involve a combination of factors:

• Better project exposure
• More responsibility and ownership
• Stronger leadership opportunities
• Clear progression pathways
• Working alongside experienced professionals
• A company culture that supports development
• Experience that increases future market value

A slightly higher salary today may not always be the best decision if the role limits progression or development. Equally, a move with a similar salary package could be hugely valuable if it positions someone for significant growth over the next few years.

The key question shouldn't just be: "How much more will I earn?"

It should also be: "Where will this opportunity take me?"

What does this mean for employers?

The message for employers is clear: salary still matters.

Whilst candidates are considering more than just money, our survey confirms that remuneration remains the biggest factor influencing whether professionals are open to moving.

Companies cannot rely solely on culture, flexibility or career development if their salary offering is significantly below market expectations.

However, attracting the best Quantity Surveyors is about creating a compelling overall package.

Successful employers are offering:

• Competitive salaries aligned with current market conditions
• Clear progression routes
• Exposure to high-profile projects
• Strong mentoring and leadership
• Investment in training and development
• Flexibility and work-life balance
• A positive working environment

The best candidates are not always looking for the highest number on an offer letter, but they do need to feel valued.

Our view: A healthier, more balanced market

Whilst salary remains the biggest motivator for candidates, we believe the market is moving into a healthier place.

The rapid salary increases seen previously were challenging for both employers and employees. Businesses were sometimes making decisions based on urgency, while candidates could be tempted by short-term financial gains without always considering the long-term impact of a move.

Today's market feels more balanced.

Good Quantity Surveyors still have options. They are still highly valued. They can still negotiate.

However, the conversation is becoming broader than just salary.

The best career decisions are usually the ones that set you up for the next five years, not just the next payday.

For employers, the same principle applies. The organisations that can offer both competitive reward and genuine career opportunities will continue to attract the strongest talent.

Final thoughts...

Our salary survey demonstrates that remuneration remains a crucial part of the recruitment conversation. Nearly 90% of professionals still see increased salary as a key reason to consider a move, and many feel there is room for improvement in their current package.

However, the market is evolving.

Candidates are becoming more strategic about their careers, and employers are becoming more focused on hiring people who can deliver genuine value.

The result is a more considered market, one where the right opportunities, the right people and the right conversations matter more than ever.

Author: Claudine Gilbery-Phillips