Surveyors, Cartographers, and Photogrammetrists earn $76,910 median salary in 2025
The median salary for surveyors, cartographers, and photogrammetrists is $76,910 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% earn more than $125,880, while the bottom 10% earn less than $47,530. That's about $37 per hour at the mean wage of $81,910.
How much Surveyors, Cartographers, and Photogrammetrists earn
Nationally, the median annual wage for the occupation is $76,910. Half of workers earn between the 25th and 75th percentiles, though exact quartile figures are not available from BLS. The typical range spans from $47,530 at the 10th percentile to $125,880 at the 90th.
Mean hourly pay is $39.38. Full-time workers in this field often earn overtime for field survey work. Experience, specialization in photogrammetry or geographic information systems (GIS), and licensure as a professional surveyor all push pay higher.
Pay by state
The BLS does not currently publish state-level salary data for this occupation in the 2023 or 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics. However, historical trends show that California, Alaska, and Massachusetts tend to pay above the national median for surveyors, while southern states like Mississippi and Arkansas typically pay less. Check state boards of licensure for localized salary surveys.
How to become a Surveyor, Cartographer, or Photogrammetrist
Surveyors typically need a bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, or a related engineering field. Many states require licensure as a Professional Surveyor, which involves passing the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam, accumulating 4–8 years of progressive experience, and passing the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam.
Cartographers and photogrammetrists often enter with a bachelor's degree in geography, cartography, or GIS. Relevant certifications like the GIS Professional (GISP) credential or ASPRS certified photogrammetrist can improve job prospects. Expect to start as a technician or junior analyst.
Key steps: (1) Earn a bachelor's degree in an approved discipline. (2) For surveyors, pass the FS exam and work under a licensed surveyor. (3) For all paths, build technical skills: GPS, total stations, LiDAR, aerial photogrammetry, and GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS). (4) Obtain state licensure if required. (5) Consider certification for career advancement.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, geography, or GIS.
- Pass the FS exam and gain supervised experience (surveyors).
- Obtain state licensure as a Professional Surveyor (mandatory in most states).
- Learn software: Autodesk Civil 3D, Esri ArcGIS, ERDAS IMAGINE.
- Optional: GISP or ASPRS certification for specialty roles.
Job outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide a projected growth rate for this occupation for 2024–2034. However, demand remains steady due to construction, infrastructure renewal, and geospatial data needs. Employment in 2023 was 65,090 jobs. Retirements and the need for precise mapping in renewable energy and climate adaptation support moderate hiring.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a surveyor?
Entry-level surveyors often start near the 10th percentile, around $47,530. With licensure and experience, earnings quickly increase toward the median.
Do all states require surveyors to be licensed?
Yes, all 50 states and U.S. territories require licensure for surveyors who certify boundary line maps. Cartographers and photogrammetrists may not need a license unless performing legal surveys.
How much do photogrammetrists make compared to surveyors?
The BLS groups all three occupations together, so separate data isn't available. Photogrammetrists in specialized remote sensing roles with strong coding skills can exceed the 90th percentile ($125,880+).
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 Surveyors, Cartographers, and Photogrammetrists data.