Surveyors Australia has released the results of its 2025 National Hourly Rate Survey.

The report is one of the most comprehensive snapshots of charge-out rates and business conditions across the Australian surveying profession.

With participation from 182 firms nationwide, the survey confirms that while rates continue to rise, the rapid post-pandemic pricing momentum has moderated, signalling a transition to a more stable and disciplined operating environment.

Registered/Licensed Surveyors working in the field with an assistant now average $312 per hour, representing a 4% increase on the previous year. Most other roles recorded increases between 1% and 3%, while some engineering construction categories saw minimal movement.

CEO of Surveyors Australia, Michelle Blicavs, said the data reflects a profession that remains resilient despite cost pressures and workforce constraints.

“The profession is stable and in demand, particularly across infrastructure and construction markets,” she said.

“However, the strong rate escalation seen in recent years has clearly moderated. Firms are now relying more heavily on sound management and disciplined pricing strategies rather than market-driven increases.”

Expanded engineering surveying analysis

A key feature of the 2025 survey is expanded benchmarking of engineering and construction surveying projects, providing deeper analysis of rates associated with infrastructure, transport and major project work.

The data shows that while engineering-related services remain in strong demand nationally, pricing growth in this segment has flattened compared with previous years.

The findings highlight the increasing importance of accurate scoping and project risk assessment in a market where fixed-price contracts dominate.

Approximately 64% of work across the profession is now delivered on a fixed-price basis, reinforcing the need for careful commercial management in infrastructure environments.

Regional markets strengthen

The survey also reveals a continued shift in regional market strength. In several field and specialist roles, regional firms are matching or exceeding metropolitan charge-out rates, reflecting skill shortages and sustained infrastructure activity outside capital cities.

Revenue conditions across the profession remain stable, with nearly half of participating firms reporting steady income and more than one-third reporting growth.

A maturing profession

The 2025 data suggest the surveying sector is entering a more commercially mature phase. Firms are increasingly embedding travel and equipment into standard pricing, passing through search costs as disbursements, and applying clearer cost recovery practices.

Blicavs said the results reinforce the critical role of surveyors in supporting Australia’s infrastructure pipeline.

“Surveyors are fundamental to every major construction and development project in the country,” she said.

“The data shows a profession that is commercially stable, adapting to moderating price growth, and continuing to underpin national development.”

The full 2025 Hourly Rate Survey report is available to Surveyors Australia members.