QSs and project managers can earn significantly more money by going freelance, new research conducted exclusively for QS News has found

They can pocket up to 35% extra, according to the survey by recruitment and HR specialist Hays.

The biggest pay gap between freelance and permanent staff was discovered at the partner/director and associate levels, where people can earn between 20% and 35% more. While in-house partners and directors take home around 拢50,000 to 拢65,000 a year on average, freelancers doing the same role bag an extra 拢10,000 to 拢22,750.

Simon Porter, manager for Hays Property & Surveying, said the reason for the discrepancy was that demand for freelancers was overtaking the amount of applicants for full time jobs. He said the pay gap is widening. 鈥淥ver the past two years we have seen a noticeable increase in salaries at middle management and senior level. This has also had a ripple effect on more junior positions.鈥�

In such junior roles, surveyors get paid an average of 拢22,000 to 拢33,000 a year but if they go freelance they can earn an extra 拢5,600 to 拢9,900. The difference is 20% to 30%. Graduates can take home an extra 15-22.5% or 拢2,850 to 拢4,950 by freelancing.

The industry鈥檚 attitudes have changed towards freelancers

Simon Porter, manager, Hays Property & Surveying

A reasonable difference in pay was also found in mid-level roles. Project managers make an average of 拢37,000 to 拢48,000 a year, but freelancers can earn an additional 拢6,290 to 拢12,960 or 17-27%.

Porter explained the growth of the freelance QS and PM market: 鈥淭he industry鈥檚 attitudes have changed towards freelancers. There was an initial perception that they showed little loyalty and were an expensive luxury. Whereas it has now been proved they are a committed resource for a set period of time whether it be a two-week or nine-month contract. Clients have learnt that the flexibility of these contracts is an advantage and an ideal solution to the peaks and troughs of project work.鈥�

Source

QS News