2026 comparison

Quantity Surveyor vs Commercial Pilot salary in South Africa

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

Quick answer

Quantity Surveyor vs Commercial Pilot in South Africa

Higher paying career
Commercial Pilot
Monthly difference
R75 000
Easier to enter
Quantity Surveyor
Better long-term
Commercial Pilot

Winner summary

Winner for salary
Commercial Pilot (+R75 000/month)
Easier entry
Quantity Surveyor
Best long-term
Commercial Pilot
Verdict

Choose Commercial Pilot 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

Commercial Pilot

Demand: 6/10

Salary guide
Requirements

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

  • Matric with Maths & Physical Science
  • CPL from SACAA-approved school
  • Class 1 medical
Salary
EntryR35 000
MidR95 000
SeniorR160 000
Top 20%R250 000

Salary breakdown

Entry
Quantity SurveyorR25 000
Commercial PilotR35 000
Mid
Quantity SurveyorR55 000
Commercial PilotR95 000
Senior
Quantity SurveyorR85 000
Commercial PilotR160 000
Top 20%
Quantity SurveyorR130 000
Commercial PilotR250 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

Quantity Surveyor (7/10)7/10
Commercial Pilot (6/10)6/10

Difficulty

Quantity Surveyor (7/10)7/10
Commercial Pilot (9/10)9/10
Salary difference
+R75 000/month

The salary gap at senior level is about R75 000 per month. Commercial Pilot earns more due to higher demand and stronger salary growth at senior level.

See full Commercial Pilot salary in South Africa

Key questions

Which pays more in South Africa?

Commercial Pilot pays more, with senior salaries around R160 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?

Commercial Pilot offers stronger long-term potential based on higher salary ceilings and demand.

Detailed comparison

When comparing Quantity Surveyor vs Commercial Pilot in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R75 000 per month.

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

Skills and requirements

Quantity Surveyor

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

Commercial Pilot

Core skills
  • Instrument RatingHigh
  • Multi-engine ratingHigh
  • ATPL theoryHigh
  • Crew Resource ManagementMedium

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
Instrument Rating
Less central
Commercial Pilot needs this
Multi-engine rating
Less central
Commercial Pilot needs this
ATPL theory
Less central
Commercial Pilot needs this

Career progression

Quantity Surveyor

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

Commercial Pilot

Flight InstructorR35 000
First Officer (regional)R70 000
First Officer (airline)R110 000
CaptainR180 000

Related insights

Explore related salary guides