Quantity Surveyor Salary in Nigeria in 2025: Full Details with Complete Breakdown

Introduction

Quantity surveyors in Nigeria play a critical role in the construction and engineering industries, managing costs, preparing estimates, and ensuring projects are completed within budget. As financial managers of construction projects, they oversee cost estimation, contract administration, and procurement, working for clients, contractors, or consultancies. With Nigeria’s expanding infrastructure and real estate sectors, the demand for skilled quantity surveyors is growing, making it a lucrative and stable career choice. This article provides a detailed breakdown of quantity surveyor salaries in Nigeria in 2025, including base pay, allowances, benefits, and factors influencing earnings, based on data from PayScale, SalaryExplorer, Glassdoor, and job postings.

Quantity Surveyor Roles and Responsibilities

Quantity surveyors ensure the financial efficiency of construction projects by minimizing costs while maintaining quality and compliance with regulations. Their key responsibilities include:

Preparing cost estimates, budgets, and bills of quantities (BOQs).
Conducting feasibility studies and advising on cost implications.
Managing contracts with contractors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
Monitoring project costs and variations to ensure budget adherence.
Conducting risk assessments and value engineering to optimize project value.
Collaborating with architects, engineers, and project managers.

Quantity surveyors work in public sector agencies, private consultancies, construction firms, or as freelancers, with roles ranging from junior to senior levels.

Qualifications and Training

Becoming a quantity surveyor in Nigeria requires specific education and skills:

Education: A Bachelor’s degree (BSc or BTech) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Quantity Surveying or a related field (e.g., Building Technology, Civil Engineering).
Professional Certifications: Membership with the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) or registration with the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN) enhances credibility and earning potential. International certifications like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) can further boost salaries.
Skills: Proficiency in cost-estimating software (e.g., CostX), analytical skills, knowledge of construction contracts, and strong communication abilities.
Experience: Entry-level roles require 1–4 years of experience, while senior roles demand 10+ years and often supervisory responsibilities.

Training typically involves a 4–5-year degree program, followed by practical experience and professional exams for NIQS or RICS certification.

Salary Structure for Quantity Surveyors in Nigeria

Quantity surveyors’ salaries in Nigeria vary based on experience, sector (public vs. private), location, and qualifications. Public sector salaries are governed by the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), while private sector salaries are more variable and often higher. The federal minimum wage adjustment to ₦70,000 in 2024 has influenced entry-level salaries, but quantity surveyors earn significantly more due to their specialized skills. Below is an estimated salary breakdown for 2025, based on sources like PayScale, SalaryExplorer, and Glassdoor.

Level	Grade Level (CONPSS)	Monthly Salary (₦)	Annual Salary (₦)
Entry-Level Quantity Surveyor	GL 8–9	100,000 – 300,000	1,200,000 – 3,600,000
Mid-Level Quantity Surveyor	GL 10–12	300,000 – 600,000	3,600,000 – 7,200,000
Senior Quantity Surveyor	GL 13–15	600,000 – 1,200,000	7,200,000 – 14,400,000
Principal/Chief Quantity Surveyor	GL 16–17+	1,200,000 – 2,000,000	14,400,000 – 24,000,000

Notes:

Entry-Level Quantity Surveyors (1–4 years of experience): Earn ₦100,000–₦300,000 monthly, typically in public sector roles or small firms. PayScale reports an average annual salary of ₦959,232 for early-career surveyors.
Mid-Level Quantity Surveyors (5–9 years): Earn ₦300,000–₦600,000 monthly, often in private consultancies or multinational firms. PayScale notes an average of ₦2,076,923 annually.
Senior Quantity Surveyors (10–15 years): Earn ₦600,000–₦1,200,000 monthly, with higher pay in urban centers or with RICS certification. PayScale reports an average of ₦3,000,000 annually for senior roles.
Principal/Chief Quantity Surveyors (15+ years): Earn ₦1,200,000–₦2,000,000 monthly, often in leadership roles or with multinational companies. Salaries can reach ₦4,000,000 annually for top earners.
Median Salary: SalaryExplorer reports a median monthly salary of ₦184,000, with 25% earning below ₦154,000 and 25% above ₦207,000.
Abuja-Specific Salaries: Glassdoor reports a median monthly salary of ₦300,000 in Abuja, with potential highs of ₦1,222,000 for senior roles.
These figures are gross salaries before tax deductions and include base pay but exclude allowances.

Allowances and Benefits

Quantity surveyors in Nigeria, particularly in the public sector, receive allowances that significantly boost their total compensation. Private sector benefits vary by employer but are often competitive. Common allowances include:

Housing Allowance:
- Covers accommodation costs, especially in urban centers like Lagos or Abuja.
- Estimated Range: 20–40% of basic salary (e.g., ₦20,000–₦120,000 monthly for mid-level surveyors).
Transport Allowance:
- Supports commuting or site visit expenses.
- Estimated Range: ₦10,000–₦50,000 monthly.
Hazard Allowance (for site-based roles):
- Compensates for risks associated with construction site visits.
- Estimated Range: ₦10,000–₦50,000 monthly.
Medical Allowance:
- Provides access to healthcare through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for public sector employees and families.
- Private sector employers may offer private health insurance.
Leave Allowance:
- Paid annually to support vacation expenses.
- Estimated Range: 10–15% of annual basic salary.
Professional Development Allowance:
- Covers costs for certifications (e.g., NIQS, RICS) or training programs.
- Estimated Range: ₦50,000–₦200,000 annually, depending on employer.
Pension and Gratuity (public sector):
- Contributions to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) ensure retirement benefits.
- Gratuity is paid upon retirement, based on years of service.
Bonuses and Incentives (private sector):
- Performance-based bonuses for meeting project milestones or cost-saving initiatives.
- Estimated Range: ₦100,000–₦500,000 annually, varying by firm.

Total Take-Home Pay:
With allowances, total monthly compensation can be 1.5–2 times the basic salary. For example:

A mid-level quantity surveyor with a base salary of ₦400,000 may take home ₦600,000–₦800,000 monthly.
A senior quantity surveyor earning ₦800,000 monthly, plus bonuses and private consultancy work, could take home ₦1,200,000–₦1,800,000 monthly.

Additional Income: Private Consultancy and Freelancing

Many quantity surveyors in Nigeria supplement their income through private consultancy or freelancing, especially those with NIQS or RICS certifications. This includes:

Providing cost estimation services for private clients or small projects.
Consulting for multinational construction firms or real estate developers.
Offering expertise in contract disputes or arbitration.

Freelance earnings can range from ₦500,000 to ₦2,000,000 monthly, depending on project scale and reputation, significantly boosting total income.

Factors Influencing Quantity Surveyor Salaries

Several factors impact earnings for quantity surveyors in Nigeria:

Experience:
- Entry-level (1–4 years): ₦1,200,000–₦3,600,000 annually.
- Mid-level (5–9 years): ₦3,600,000–₦7,200,000 annually, a 32% increase from entry-level.
- Senior (10–15 years): ₦7,200,000–₦14,400,000 annually, an 18% increase from mid-level.
- Principal (15+ years): Up to ₦24,000,000 annually.
Location:
- Urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt offer 20–30% higher salaries due to higher demand and cost of living. Glassdoor reports a median of ₦300,000 monthly in Abuja.
- Rural areas or smaller cities may offer lower salaries but less competition.
Sector (Public vs. Private):
- Public sector salaries are standardized under CONPSS, ranging from ₦1,200,000–₦7,200,000 annually for mid-level roles.
- Private sector salaries are higher, with top firms paying ₦600,000–₦2,000,000 monthly for experienced surveyors. The private sector offers 6% higher salaries on average.
- Multinational firms (e.g., Julius Berger) pay premium salaries, often exceeding ₦1,000,000 monthly for senior roles.
Education and Certifications:
- A Master’s degree can increase salaries by 10–20%, with an average of ₦3,469,900 annually.
- NIQS or RICS certification boosts earning potential by 15–25%, especially in private firms or international roles.
Gender:
- Male quantity surveyors may earn up to 13% more than female counterparts, though this gap is narrowing.
- Women are underrepresented in senior roles, as noted in some surveys.
Economic and Policy Factors:
- The 2024 minimum wage increase to ₦70,000 has raised entry-level salaries.
- Inflation and currency depreciation may reduce real income, pushing surveyors toward private sector or freelance work.

Comparison with Related Professions

Quantity surveyors earn competitively compared to related professions in Nigeria:

Civil Engineers: Earn ₦100,000–₦500,000 monthly in the public sector, with private sector roles reaching ₦800,000 for senior positions.
Land Surveyors: Earn ₦66,100–₦211,000 monthly, with a median of ₦126,000.
Architects: Earn ₦150,000–₦600,000 monthly, depending on experience and sector.
Construction Project Managers: Earn ₦200,000–₦1,000,000 monthly, with senior roles exceeding ₦2,000,000.

Quantity surveyors’ specialized financial expertise gives them an edge, particularly in private sector roles or with international certifications.

Career Prospects and Salary Growth

Quantity surveying offers strong career prospects in Nigeria due to ongoing infrastructure projects and real estate development. Key points include:

Promotions: Progression from junior to senior roles takes 5–10 years, with salary increases of 18–32% per level.
Private Consultancy: Offers exponential income growth, especially for certified professionals.
International Opportunities: RICS-certified surveyors can work with multinational firms or abroad, earning in foreign currencies (e.g., $70,000–$100,000 annually in the U.S.).
Job Stability: Public sector roles offer pension benefits, while private sector roles provide higher pay and flexibility.
Specializations: Focusing on areas like contract disputes, infrastructure, or real estate can increase earnings.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite attractive salaries, quantity surveyors face challenges:

High Training Costs: Degree programs and certifications cost millions of naira, with Master’s degrees costing ₦1,690,000–₦5,080,000.
Work Pressure: Managing budgets and contracts under tight deadlines can be stressful.
Limited Facilities: Some regions lack advanced cost-estimating software, limiting efficiency.
Economic Factors: Inflation reduces purchasing power, particularly in the public sector.

How to Become a Quantity Surveyor in Nigeria

To pursue a career as a quantity surveyor:

Complete a Degree: Earn a BSc or BTech in Quantity Surveying (4–5 years) from institutions like the University of Lagos or Ahmadu Bello University.
Gain Experience: Complete internships or entry-level roles (1–2 years) to build practical skills.
Obtain Certifications: Register with NIQS or QSRBN, and consider RICS for international opportunities.
Pursue Professional Exams: Pass NIQS or RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) for chartered status.
Continuous Learning: Attend workshops or pursue a Master’s degree to enhance earning potential.

Job Opportunities

Quantity surveyors can find opportunities through:

Job Portals: Platforms like Indeed and MyJobMag list roles, with salaries ranging from ₦200,000–₦400,000 monthly for mid-level positions in Abuja.
Public Sector: Federal or state agencies like the Ministry of Works and Housing.
Private Sector: Construction firms (e.g., Julius Berger), consultancies, or real estate developers.
Freelancing: Offering services for private projects or small firms.

Conclusion

Quantity surveyors in Nigeria enjoy competitive salaries, ranging from ₦1,200,000 to ₦24,000,000 annually, with significant boosts from allowances, bonuses, and private consultancy. Experience, location, sector, and certifications like NIQS or RICS are key determinants of earnings. With Nigeria’s growing construction sector, quantity surveying offers strong career prospects, job stability, and opportunities for international work. Aspiring surveyors should invest in education, gain practical experience, and pursue certifications to maximize their earning potential.

For the most accurate and up-to-date salary information, consult the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) or job platforms like Indeed and MyJobMag. Always verify job postings and salary offers with reputable employers.

Disclaimer: Salary figures are estimates based on available data and may vary depending on individual circumstances, employer policies, and economic conditions. For precise details, contact relevant authorities or employers.

Sources:

PayScale: Quantity Surveyor Salary in Nigeria, 2024.
SalaryExplorer: Quantity Surveyor Average Salary in Nigeria, 2024.
WorldSalaries: Average Quantity Surveyor Salary in Nigeria, 2024.
Glassdoor: Quantity Surveyor Salary in Abuja, Nigeria, 2024.
MySalaryScale: Quantity Surveyor Salaries in Nigeria, 2024.
Job postings on X, 2024–2025.