Building Surveying in Australia

Building and construction is the third largest industry in Australia employing over one million workers and generating more than $360 billion annually. (Australian Industry and Skills Committee 2022).

Australia’s built environment is growing quickly. The workforce required to keep pace with this development continues to grow too. Virtually all building work requires the involvement of a building surveyor from the design stage through to completion.

Job opportunities for building surveyors

Building surveyors are in huge demand across Australia. Most building surveying students can get a job while studying and earn and learn at the same time. And, students can get a decent starting salary of around $80K. Fully qualified building surveyors can earn $150K to $250K, depending on their field they choose to work in.

What do building surveyors do?

As experts in the technical and regulatory requirements of the building process, building surveyors determine if designs or construction meets the National Construction Code/ Building Code of Australia and all the Australian Standards referenced within it along with building legislation in the jurisdiction in which a building is located.

With this knowledge, and if they choose, building surveyors can take on statutory work on behalf of the governments, deciding which buildings can be built and occupied. This role is unique in the industry and carries a high level of authority and responsibility to the Australian community.

The AIBS Professional Standards Scheme for Building Surveyors

AIBS is the first organisation representing building surveyors authorised to operate a Professional Standards Scheme. This means members of AIBS can be easily identified as a professional in the industry.

What type of buildings do building surveyors work on?

Few buildings in Australia can be constructed without a building surveyor having first authorised construction. This includes city centre high rise, domestic single dwellings, farm buildings, infrastructure, specialist buildings like hospitals and aged care facilities and even temporary structures at public events like the Melbourne Cup and the AFL Grand Final.

Wherever there are buildings intended for occupation, permanent or temporary, building surveyors are there to make sure they’re safe and fit for their purpose.

Where are the jobs for building surveyors?

All Australian cities and regions, in private practice or in local, state or federal government and in teaching. Building surveying opens many doors in the industry.

There is such a serious shortage in the building surveying workforce that AIBS has launched a national recruitment campaign.

Becoming a building surveyor

There are two main career paths, either through the VET Sector studying for a Diploma or through a Degree at university. The qualification path you choose will determine the type of work you’ll be able to do once you graduate. A university degree will give you the opportunity to work on any type of building you choose while there will be restrictions on the work you can do if you have a diploma.

Registration and accreditation

There are different levels of practice according to your qualifications and experience. So, it’s important to understand the process and which qualifications you might need to achieve your career goals. AIBS offers student membership so you can keep up to date with what’s happening in your newly chosen career path and we will support you on your journey towards becoming a fully qualified building surveyor.

Attention architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and construction managers!

Interested in building surveying? You can cut your study time towards becoming a building surveyor through recognised prior learning. AIBS can guide you through the education options available and as your career progresses.