Quantity Surveyor Jobs Part Three | Geography and Global Mobility
Posted by Steve Thomas , Construction Recruitment Director, UK & Canada on Monday, September 8, 2025
While quantity surveyors can be found in many countries around the world, the salaries and opportunities available for the different levels of QS jobs can vary greatly depending on the location. Understanding regional salary differences, international market trends, and visa or accreditation requirements is a valuable consideration when looking where you might most want to work abroad as a QS or Senior QS.
International Salary Differences
Salary differences between countries, even regions and different cities can be pronounced due to the cost of living in that area. For those exploring QS jobs abroad, regions such as the Middle East, Australia, and Southeast Asia can offer attractive packages; including tax-free local salaries, accommodation allowances, and travel perks. Despite these, the cost of living is often higher meaning the difference in salary is not always as noticeable. These overseas QS jobs with an attractive tax-free salary and accommodation allowance are particularly appealing to mid and senior level professionals with experience in large infrastructure or commercial developments. In contrast, salaries in developing countries may be lower, but they can still offer excellent career development opportunities and exposure to fast-paced construction industry sectors.
Regional Salary Differences
Within any one country, regional salary differences are often influenced by living costs, demand for talent and the scale of active construction. For example, QS jobs in major cities like London, Sydney, or Toronto generally offer higher salaries than rural areas. This is due not only to higher project values and greater competition for talent but also to the need to offset urban living expenses. Similarly, within the UK or Australia, jobs in construction sector roles in the Southeast tend to be higher than those in the North or Midlands. For quantity surveyors, these differences are significant when weighing up job offers and long-term construction careers.
Global Mobility
One of the greatest benefits of working internationally is the chance to boost your earning potential while gaining valuable global experience.
Global mobility is increasingly admired in quantity surveying recruitment, with many employers viewing international exposure as a sign of adaptability and commercial maturity. For quantity surveyors who are open to relocating, working abroad can fast-track both salary growth and career progression. The ability to handle diverse contractual frameworks, navigate cross-cultural business environments and manage multi-currency cost plans makes globally experienced QS's highly desirable across all construction sectors. Taking your career international can be a strategic step toward higher earning potential and broader professional horizons.
Visa and Accreditation Considerations
Before pursuing international construction jobs, it’s crucial to consider visa and accreditation requirements. Different countries have different expectations when it comes to professional recognition. For example, in many countries, RICS chartership is widely respected and often required for senior roles. In other markets, you may need to have your qualifications assessed or obtain local accreditation to work legally in quantity surveying or engineering jobs. Visa rules can vary significantly depending on your citizenship, the job market and the ability and willingness of a potential employer to sponsor or arrange a work visa for you.
In conclusion, salaries for quantity surveyor careers are influenced by much more than just role, title or seniority. They’re shaped by geography, global demand, regulatory factors, the sector, project type, experience, chartership and the preferences of the employer. Interested candidates are welcome to forward their CV to allow Maxim Recruitment consultants to establish where and for how much salary your skills could demand!
Steve is responsible for Maxim Recruitment in the UK and Canada. He is based in the Maxim head office in Leicester, UK and the Toronto office in Canada. He regularly travels to meet employers and job seekers and attend construction industry networking events in the UK, Canada and worldwide. Steve has over 25 years of experience in construction and property recruitment and enjoys working with many repeat clients. He manages dedicated search and headhunting assignments for a range of premium UK, Canadian and international clients.