Jhouse101

Hi Nando, 

I was in a similar position to you five years ago (albeit i don't have an MSc!). I generally found that  Australian experience is desirable in most cases and not essential. I will caveat that though as 5 years ago the market was very different to what it probably is now......  UK QS's are generally pretty sought after I've found as the QS profession as a whole is still relatively new in Australia, compared the the UK where it is an established profession. 

Regarding the cost of living, I'm not sure where in the UK you are but before i left i was earning around £35k as a newly chartered QS in London. When i landed in Sydney, I started on a salary of $82k (PQS) which today is around £45k. Again though although you earn more the cost of living on the whole i find is more in Australia than the UK, so although you have more money coming in more money is also going out! If you're living in the suburbs rather than the CBD this will help. 

A contractors QS is known as a Contracts Administrator out here. I would say for a ballpark salary you'd be looking around $80k - $90k given your experience. 

Hope this helps. If you need any further information feel free to reply / DM me. 

Thanks,

Hi,

wondering whether to ship my car over from the UK or not...

2011

Seat Ibiza Cupra

Hatchback

1.4 TSI Petrol 180BHP

Automatic

FWD

45k Miles

Yes to Aircon

GBP £8,500

Sydney

Private Price Guide $16k (Based on VW Polo with same engine - lack of Seat's in Aus!

Thanks!

Took the IELTS on 11th July in London.

Listening: 9.0

Reading: 9.0

Writing: 8.0

Speaking: 8.5

Overall: 8.5

Glad its over and even more glad i've got 20 additional visa points in the bag!!