Salary Negotiation for Quantity Surveyors: Knowing Your Worth

Categories: Career

We frequently speak with Quantity Surveyors who feel they are not receiving quite the right compensation package for the work they do, but have never really pushed for a salary review. Salary negotiation can be a daunting prospect for any professional, but for Quantity Surveyors, it can be particularly challenging. After all, your technical skills and expertise are essential for the success of any construction project.
We have drawn up some guidance on how to negotiate your salary as a QS covering the following:

• Knowing Your Worth
• Salary Research
• Negotiation Tactics
• Strategies to Secure a Competitive Compensation Package

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting the salary you deserve.
Knowing Your Worth
The first step in any salary negotiation is to know your own worth. This means asking yourself the following:

• What projects have you been involved with or led?
• Have you mentored or taken on the responsibility of leading a team?
• Do you have advantageous qualifications - chartership?
• Would your workload be sustainable if your desired salary is reached?
• Does your desired salary fit in with your long-term career objectives?

It also means researching what other QSs with similar experience are making in your area.
Salary Research
There are a number of resources available to help you research QS salaries. These include:

• Salary surveys:  Professional organisations such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) conduct regular salary surveys of their members. These surveys can provide you with valuable data on average salaries for QSs in different experience levels and locations.

• Job boards:  Many job boards list the salary range for QS positions. This can give you a good starting point for your negotiations.

• Online salary calculators:  There are a number of online salary calculators that can help you estimate your worth based on your experience, skills, and location.

• Talent specialists:  Agencies that specialise in your sector will have a wealth of knowledge on salary expectations for your specific situation and goals. They will also know what employers in your area are willing to pay for top talent.

Salary Expectations by Experience Level
We recently held several salary surveys across all commercial levels. Based on the results here's a general idea of what you can expect to earn in different experience bands:

• Graduate or Assistant QS:  £28,000 or above

• Assistant QS:  Between £30,000-£35,000

• Quantity Surveyor  Between £40,000-£60,000

• Senior Quantity Surveyor  Between £60,000 - £70,000

• Managing Quantity Surveyor/Commercial Manager:  Between £75,000-£100,000

• Commercial Director:  Anywhere from £120k+ depending on level of experience

These results fall in line with our industry knowledge and placement experience. Geographical location can, however, make a big difference in your salary bracket. Quantity Surveyors in the south, for example, are generally awarded higher compensation packages than their northern peers. It's also important to note that these are averages, and your actual salary will vary depending on a number of other factors, such as, sector specialisation, years of experience, and the size and type of company you work for (end client, main contractor, subcontractor etc.)
Negotiation Tactics
Once you know your worth and your salary research has been done, it is time to start thinking about your negotiation tactics. You’re a QS, you should be good at this right? But we see so many people get it wrong.
Tips:

• Share your knowledge of the market:  Know what the typical salary range is for your level, with your experience, and in your area. Make sure you rattle off those figures with confidence. It gives pause for thought if a company was prepared to barter you down to below-market averages.

• Be prepared to justify your asking salary:  Be able to articulate the value you bring to the company and why you place yourself in line or even above current market rates. In other words…have a realistic figure in mind that you would be happy with.

• Focus on the total compensation package:  Salary is not the only thing to consider when negotiating a job offer. Benefits, such as health insurance, pension contributions, and car allowances, can also be a valuable part of your compensation package.

• Be confident:  know your value and what you bring to the table. Be prepared to walk away from a job or offer that does not meet your expectations. A company that doesn’t value your skillset and experience is probably not the right place for you. We have had several instances where our candidates have refused offers that were just £2-3k below their desired salary as the refusal of companies to meet them where they’re at does not bode well.

• Be professional:  Negotiation is a business process. Be respectful of the employer's time and position, even if you do not ultimately agree to their terms.

Strategies to Secure a Competitive Compensation Package
In addition to the negotiation tactics mentioned above, there are a number of strategies you can use to secure a competitive compensation package. These include:

• Highlight your accomplishments:  When discussing your salary, be sure to highlight your accomplishments and the value you have brought to previous employers or current company.

Knowing When to Walk Away
Negotiation is a two-way street. While aiming for your desired salary is important, it's equally crucial to be prepared to walk away if the offer doesn't align with your career goals and worth. Don't settle for a position that undervalues your expertise or hinders your professional growth.
Here's why walking away can be a wise decision:

• Preserves Your Value:  Accepting a lowball offer sets a precedent for future compensation, both within the company and potentially in the job market.

• Opens Doors to Better Opportunities:  By walking away, you demonstrate your confidence and commitment to securing a position that truly reflects your value. This can lead you to opportunities with companies that recognise and reward your expertise.

We see this often with Quantity Surveyors we work with. Sometimes, candidates accept roles that don't meet their expectations, only to find themselves searching for a more suitable position a few months later. By being bold and walking away from an underwhelming offer, you open yourself up to securing a job that truly values your skills and offers a more generous compensation package.
Remember, your skills and knowledge are valuable assets. Don't be afraid to walk away and wait for the opportunity that truly recognises your worth.
Set the bar
The construction industry thrives on skilled professionals. By confidently negotiating your salary, you not only secure your financial well-being but also set the standard for fair compensation within the field. You would be surprised how often we advise clients on current market rates as they are not sure what the expectation is. Don't undervalue your expertise – use the knowledge and tactics outlined here to confidently negotiate your worth as a Quantity Surveyor.  By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting the salary you deserve. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the negotiation process, consider seeking further help from a career counsellor or talent specialist.