Architects, Surveyors, and Cartographers Salary 2025: Median $87,950
The median salary for Architects, Surveyors, and Cartographers in the U.S. is $87,950, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $42 per hour. The typical salary range runs from $55,650 at the 10th percentile to $146,230 at the 90th, meaning top earners pull in more than double the median. Employer-reported mean annual wages hit $96,190.
How much Architects, Surveyors, and Cartographers earn
Nationally, the occupation employs 191,460 workers. The median — the midpoint where half earn more and half less — is $87,950. The bottom 10% earn below $55,650, while the top 10% exceed $146,230.
Hourly, the mean wage is about $42. Many in the field work full-time, and overtime is common for surveyors during field season.
Pay by state
State-level data from the BLS is not provided for this occupation. However, wages typically align with regional construction markets and cost of living. High-cost states like California, New York, and Massachusetts tend to pay above the national median, while lower-cost states such as Mississippi and Arkansas may pay below.
How to become an Architect, Surveyor, or Cartographer
The path differs by specialty, but most roles require a bachelor's degree. Architects need a professional degree in architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) and licensure, which includes a multi-year internship and passing the Architect Registration Exam. Surveyors typically need a bachelor's in surveying or a related field and a state license, requiring supervised work and exams. Cartographers often enter with a degree in geography, cartography, or GIS; certification is available but not always required.
For all three, internships or entry-level technician jobs are the realistic starting point. Expect 3-5 years of supervised experience before full professional standing.
- Get a bachelor's degree in architecture, surveying, or geography (with GIS focus).
- Complete required internship or training hours (e.g., 3 years for architects).
- Pass state licensing or certification exams.
- Ongoing continuing education to maintain licensure.
Job outlook
The BLS does not provide a specific growth projection for the combined occupation through 2034. However, each field has distinct trends: Architects face employment tied to construction activity; surveyors benefit from infrastructure and development; cartographers see demand from mapping technology and data analysis. Overall, competition will be strong for architecture roles, while surveyors and GIS specialists may have steadier openings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for Architects, Surveyors, and Cartographers?
The national median salary is $87,950 per year, or about $42 per hour. The typical range is $55,650 (10th percentile) to $146,230 (90th percentile).
How many people work as Architects, Surveyors, and Cartographers?
According to the BLS, 191,460 people are employed in this occupation in the U.S.
What education do you need to become an architect?
You need a professional degree in architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch), followed by a paid internship (typically 3 years) and passage of the Architect Registration Exam for licensure.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Architects, Surveyors, and Cartographers data.