Surveyor Salary Guide 2025: Median $75,440, Fast Growth & How to Join
Surveyors earn a median $75,440 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest 2024 data. That’s about $36.26 an hour. The middle half of the profession pulls in between $46,880 and $125,590 – a wide spread driven by experience, specialization, and location. With 50,830 jobs nationwide and a projected 4.4% growth rate through 2034 – faster than the average occupation – surveying is a stable, well-compensated field that doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
How much Surveyors earn
The BLS puts the mean annual wage for surveyors at $80,570. But the median is a more realistic $75,440 – half earn more, half less. Starting out at the 10th percentile, you're looking at around $46,880. Top earners in the 90th percentile clear $125,590.
Pay scales with specialty: boundary surveyors typically earn less than those working on large infrastructure projects or in oil/gas states. Geography also matters a lot – California tops the list at a mean $105,330, while Arkansas averages just $51,800.
Pay by state
The highest-paying state for surveyors is California, with a mean annual wage of $105,330. Alaska follows at $99,550, then Oregon ($97,070), Massachusetts ($94,590), and Washington ($85,610).
On the lower end, Mississippi averages $58,720, Georgia $58,100, and Arkansas bottoms out at $51,800. Cost of living partly explains the gap, but state licensing requirements and demand also drive these differences.
How to become Surveyor
The typical path starts with a bachelor’s degree in surveying, geomatics, or a related field. Some states allow a degree in engineering or technology with extra coursework. After that, you need to pass the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam to become a licensed surveyor-in-training (SIT).
Next comes several years of supervised experience – usually 2 to 4 years – followed by the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam. Licensure is mandatory in every state for those who set property boundaries. Many surveyors also get certifications like the Certified Survey Technician (CST) to boost pay early on.
- Earn a bachelor’s in surveying/geomatics (may accept related degree + coursework).
- Pass the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam to become an SIT.
- Complete 2–4 years of supervised field experience.
- Pass the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam for full licensure.
- Optional: earn CST or other certifications to specialize.
Job outlook
The BLS projects 4.4% employment growth for surveyors from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 3,900 openings each year. Most openings come from retirements and the need to replace workers who leave the field. New construction, infrastructure upgrades, and mapping for renewable energy projects keep demand steady. Surveyors with GIS skills will have the best job prospects.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for a surveyor in 2025?
The national median salary is $75,440 per year, per BLS data. The mean wage is $80,570.
What state pays surveyors the most?
California pays the highest mean wage at $105,330. Alaska, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Washington also pay above $85,000.
Do surveyors need a license?
Yes, surveyors who set property boundaries must be licensed in all states. Typical requirements: a bachelor’s degree, passing the FS exam, supervised experience, and then the PS exam.
Is surveying a growing field?
Yes. The BLS projects 4.4% growth from 2024 to 2034, faster than average, with about 3,900 job openings per year.
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 data.