2026 comparison

Quantity Surveyor vs Aerospace Engineer salary in South Africa

Compare salary, demand, difficulty, and long-term growth to choose the right career path.

Quick answer

Quantity Surveyor vs Aerospace Engineer in South Africa

Higher paying career
Aerospace Engineer
Monthly difference
R35 000
Easier to enter
Quantity Surveyor
Better long-term
Aerospace Engineer

Winner summary

Winner for salary
Aerospace Engineer (+R35 000/month)
Easier entry
Quantity Surveyor
Best long-term
Aerospace Engineer
Verdict

Choose Aerospace Engineer if your goal is higher income and long-term growth.

Choose Quantity Surveyor if your goal is faster entry and lower barriers.

Career overview

Quantity Surveyor

Demand: 7/10

Salary guide
Requirements

BSc Quantity Surveying + SACQSP.

  • BSc QS
  • SACQSP registration
Salary
EntryR25 000
MidR55 000
SeniorR85 000
Top 20%R130 000

Aerospace Engineer

Demand: 5/10

Salary guide
Requirements

BEng Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering.

  • BEng Aero/Mech
  • ECSA pathway
Salary
EntryR32 000
MidR75 000
SeniorR120 000
Top 20%R180 000

Salary breakdown

Entry
Quantity SurveyorR25 000
Aerospace EngineerR32 000
Mid
Quantity SurveyorR55 000
Aerospace EngineerR75 000
Senior
Quantity SurveyorR85 000
Aerospace EngineerR120 000
Top 20%
Quantity SurveyorR130 000
Aerospace EngineerR180 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

Quantity Surveyor (7/10)7/10
Aerospace Engineer (5/10)5/10

Difficulty

Quantity Surveyor (7/10)7/10
Aerospace Engineer (9/10)9/10
Salary difference
+R35 000/month

The salary gap at senior level is about R35 000 per month. Aerospace Engineer earns more due to higher demand and stronger salary growth at senior level.

See full Aerospace Engineer salary in South Africa

Key questions

Which pays more in South Africa?

Aerospace Engineer pays more, with senior salaries around R120 000 per month compared to R85 000 for Quantity Surveyor.

Which is easier to enter?

Quantity Surveyor is easier to enter due to lower difficulty and more accessible requirements.

Which is better long-term?

Aerospace Engineer offers stronger long-term potential based on higher salary ceilings and demand.

Detailed comparison

When comparing Quantity Surveyor vs Aerospace Engineer in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R35 000 per month.

Quantity Surveyor is better for quicker entry into the workforce. Aerospace Engineer is better for long-term earnings and career growth.

Skills and requirements

Quantity Surveyor

Core skills
  • Cost estimationHigh
  • Contract managementHigh
  • Bills of quantitiesHigh

Aerospace Engineer

Core skills
  • AerodynamicsHigh
  • CAD / FEAHigh
  • AvionicsMedium

Side by side

Cost estimation
Quantity Surveyor needs this
Less central
Contract management
Quantity Surveyor needs this
Less central
Bills of quantities
Quantity Surveyor needs this
Less central
Aerodynamics
Less central
Aerospace Engineer needs this
CAD / FEA
Less central
Aerospace Engineer needs this
Avionics
Less central
Aerospace Engineer needs this

Career progression

Quantity Surveyor

Junior QSR30 000
Quantity SurveyorR55 000
Senior QSR85 000
Commercial ManagerR130 000

Aerospace Engineer

Junior EngineerR38 000
Aerospace EngineerR75 000
Senior EngineerR120 000
Chief EngineerR180 000

Related insights

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