Quantity Surveyor Salary Guide Sri Lanka 2025
Complete Earnings Breakdown & Career Growth Insights
Discover what quantity surveyors really earn in Sri Lanka, how certifications impact salary, career progression paths, and strategies to maximize your earning potential in the booming construction industry.
Understanding QS Salaries in Sri Lanka
Competitive Salaries, Rewarding Career
Build your future in construction management
Quantity surveying is one of the most financially rewarding careers in Sri Lanka's construction sector. With the country's infrastructure boom, mega-projects, and real estate development, skilled quantity surveyors are in high demand and command competitive salaries.
This comprehensive guide breaks down quantity surveyor salaries by experience level, reveals how certifications and specializations impact earnings, and provides actionable strategies to maximize your income potential in this lucrative field.
Quick Salary Overview
- • Entry Level: LKR 45,000 - 70,000 per month
- • Mid Level: LKR 100,000 - 150,000 per month
- • Senior Level: LKR 180,000 - 250,000 per month
- • Principal/Director: LKR 300,000 - 450,000+ per month
- • Certification Boost: 20-40% salary increase with RICS/CIOB
Quantity Surveyor Salary Breakdown by Experience
| Experience Level | Years of Experience | Monthly Salary (LKR) | Annual Salary (LKR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior QS | 0-2 years | 45,000 - 70,000 | 540,000 - 840,000 |
| Quantity Surveyor | 3-5 years | 100,000 - 150,000 | 1,200,000 - 1,800,000 |
| Senior QS | 6-10 years | 180,000 - 250,000 | 2,160,000 - 3,000,000 |
| Principal QS | 10-15 years | 300,000 - 400,000 | 3,600,000 - 4,800,000 |
| QS Director/Partner | 15+ years | 450,000 - 600,000+ | 5,400,000 - 7,200,000+ |
*Salaries vary based on company size, project type, location (Colombo vs provinces), certifications, and negotiation skills.
By Industry Sector
By Company Type
By Location
How Certifications Boost Your QS Salary
Professional Certifications
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
Gold standard for quantity surveyors globally
Salary Impact: +20-40% (LKR 30,000-60,000/month)
Requirements: Approved degree + 2 years APC + assessment
CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building)
Construction management and quantity surveying
Salary Impact: +15-30% (LKR 20,000-45,000/month)
Requirements: Relevant degree + professional experience
IQSSL (Institute of Quantity Surveyors Sri Lanka)
Local professional body recognition
Salary Impact: +10-20% (LKR 15,000-30,000/month)
Requirements: Membership grades based on qualification
Specialized Skills Premium
BIM (Building Information Modeling)
5D BIM, cost modeling, digital quantity takeoff
Salary Impact: +15-25%
MEP Expertise
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing quantity surveying
Salary Impact: +20-30%
Infrastructure Projects
Highways, bridges, ports, airports
Salary Impact: +25-35%
Contract Law & Arbitration
Legal expertise, dispute resolution
Salary Impact: +20-30%
Project Management
PMP, PRINCE2 certifications
Salary Impact: +15-25%
Career Progression & Salary Growth
Junior QS (0-2 years)
Salary: LKR 45,000 - 70,000/month
Assist in cost estimation, measurement, bill preparation. Learn construction methods and contracts.
Quantity Surveyor (3-5 years)
Salary: LKR 100,000 - 150,000/month
Independent cost planning, contract administration, valuations. Handle multiple projects.
Senior QS (6-10 years)
Salary: LKR 180,000 - 250,000/month
Lead major projects, mentor juniors, client management. Complex contract negotiations.
Principal QS (10-15 years)
Salary: LKR 300,000 - 400,000/month
Strategic leadership, team management, business development. Portfolio of major projects.
Director/Partner (15+ years)
Salary: LKR 450,000 - 600,000+/month
Company leadership, strategic decisions, major client relationships. Equity participation.
Maximize Your QS Earning Potential with Ceylon Open Campus
RICS-Accredited Qualifications
Earn UK degrees recognized by RICS, qualifying you for chartered status and significantly higher salaries.
Specialized Skill Development
Master BIM, MEP costing, infrastructure projects, and digital tools that command premium salaries.
Industry Connections
Network with leading construction firms, access internships, and connect with employers offering top salaries.
Professional Certification Pathway
Clear pathway to RICS membership through our APC-approved programs and mentorship support.
Flexible Study for Working Professionals
Continue earning while studying. Weekend and online options let you advance your career without career breaks.
Practical Experience
Gain hands-on experience through industry placements with top construction firms and real projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average quantity surveyor salary in Sri Lanka?
The average QS salary in Sri Lanka varies by experience: Entry-level (0-2 years) earn LKR 45,000 - 70,000 monthly, mid-level (3-5 years) earn LKR 100,000 - 150,000, senior QS (6-10 years) earn LKR 180,000 - 250,000, and principal/director level can earn LKR 300,000 - 450,000+ per month.
Do certifications increase quantity surveyor salary in Sri Lanka?
Yes, significantly! Professional certifications can increase salary by 20-40%. RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) membership can add LKR 30,000 - 50,000 to monthly earnings. UK-accredited degrees and CIOB membership also boost earning potential and career advancement opportunities.
Which industries pay quantity surveyors the highest salaries?
Mega infrastructure projects, international construction firms, and real estate development companies typically pay the highest. Government mega-projects (highways, ports, airports) and private luxury developments offer premium salaries. Consulting firms also offer competitive packages with international exposure opportunities.
How can I increase my salary as a quantity surveyor?
Key strategies include: obtaining professional certifications (RICS, CIOB), gaining experience in specialized areas (MEP, infrastructure), developing expertise in digital tools (BIM, cost software), moving into project management, working on large-scale projects, and building a strong professional network.
What is the career progression path for quantity surveyors in Sri Lanka?
Typical progression: Junior QS → QS → Senior QS → Principal QS → QS Manager → Associate Director → Director. Each level brings salary increases of 30-50%. Specialization in high-demand areas or transition to project management can accelerate progression.
Is there job security for quantity surveyors in Sri Lanka?
Yes! Sri Lanka's construction boom, infrastructure development, and real estate growth ensure strong demand. Government mega-projects, port expansions, highway development, and urban construction create consistent opportunities. QS is considered one of the most stable construction careers.
Start Your High-Earning QS Career Today
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