How Much Does a Surveyor Make: Comprehensive Salary Guide

Average land surveyor salaries across the United States

The average salary for a land surveyor is approximately $68,061 per year in the USA. Land surveyor salaries range from $55,806 to $91,682 annually, with variations based on location, experience, and specialization. This salary range covers the average salary for a land surveyor across the United States, reflecting the surveyor salary per year and land surveyor salary range in different regions.

Salary ranges and averages

• National average: The average land surveyor salary in the USA is $68,061 per year as of August 2024
• Salary range: Land surveyor salaries typically fall between $59,288 and $76,262 annually
• Wider range: Some sources report a broader land surveyor salary range from $55,806 to $91,682 per year

Factors affecting salaries

• Location: How much a surveyor makes varies significantly by state and city due to cost of living differences
  • Highest paying states: District of Columbia ($72,845), California ($72,190), New Jersey ($71,732)
  • City examples: New York City ($63,311 - $93,311), Los Angeles ($54,311 - $81,311)
• Experience and education:
  • Entry-level positions (Land Surveyor I) typically require a high school diploma
  • More experienced roles (Land Surveyor III) may require formal training or apprenticeship
• Specialization: Niche areas like environmental impact assessments or smart city development can lead to higher demand and increased surveyor salary per year

Job market trends (2020-2024)

• Technology adoption: Increased use of drones, AI, and advanced GPS systems is changing the industry, potentially affecting job roles and land surveyor salaries in the USA
• Global opportunities: Advanced technology allows surveyors to take on projects worldwide, potentially expanding earning potential
• Revenue volatility: The industry experienced significant revenue fluctuations during 2020-2024, impacting job stability and potentially how much a surveyor makes

Cost of living considerations

• Salary vs. expenses: When evaluating how much does a surveyor make, consider the local cost of living. Higher salaries in expensive cities may not translate to higher purchasing power
• Example comparison: A Land Surveyor in Pasadena, TX earns $67,993, while in Twin Falls, ID the average salary for a land surveyor is $60,098

Factors affecting surveyor salaries

The entry level land surveyor salary typically starts around $32,000 annually. Entry-level land surveyors can expect to earn between $32,000 and $67,000 per year, with salaries varying based on experience and education. Professional land surveyors with more experience can earn up to $67,000 annually, while licensed surveyors with advanced degrees and extensive experience can reach salaries of up to $126,000 per year.

Key factors influencing surveyor salaries

Experience

• Years of experience: Salaries tend to double by the 10-year mark

  • Less than 2 years: Approximately $22,800 annually
  • 2-5 years: $30,600 (34% increase)
  • 5-10 years: $39,700 (30% increase)
  • 10-15 years: $48,100 (21% increase)
  • 15-20 years: $52,600 (9% increase)
  • 20+ years: $55,300 (5% increase)

• Career stage: 70% of Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) salaries are in the late career stage, while 16% are in the experienced stage

Education and certification

• Education level: How much a surveyor makes depends on their education

  • High school diploma: Average salary of $27,100
  • Certificate or diploma: $38,800 (43% increase)
  • Bachelor's degree: $53,600 (38% increase)

• Professional certification: Licensed surveyors with RPLS certification earn an average of $87,000 annually

Location and cost of living

• Geographic location: Professional land surveyor salary varies significantly by state and city

  • California: Average annual salary of $112,500
  • Maryland: $110,000
  • New Mexico, Virginia, Washington: $105,000

• Cost of living: Higher expenses in cities like New York City result in higher wages

Industry and project type

• Construction industry: Highest paying surveying jobs for project surveyors in Bend, Oregon

Gender

• Gender disparity: 92.5% of RPLS are male, with licensed surveyor salaries ranging from $60,000 to $126,000, while female salaries were not reported

Salary ranges by career stage

Entry-level land surveyor salary

• $32,000 per year for entry-level surveyors
• $22,800 for those with less than 2 years of experience
• $53,530 for entry-level land surveyors according to Salary.com

Professional land surveyor salary

• $44,000 median salary with experience
• $86,505 average annual salary, with a range of $62,000 to $122,000
• $68,061 average salary according to Salary.com, ranging from $59,288 to $76,262

Licensed surveyor salary

• $67,000+ per year for professional land surveyors
• $87,000 average base salary for Registered Professional Land Surveyors (RPLS)
• Up to $126,000 for experienced male RPLS, potentially the highest paying surveying job

Additional factors affecting how much a surveyor makes

• Skill development: Gaining advanced degrees and managing junior surveyors can increase earning potential

• Employer changes: Switching to a new employer willing to pay more for skills can lead to salary increases

• Bonuses: 28% of land surveyors receive bonuses ranging from 1-3% of their annual salary

• Salary growth: Land surveyors can expect an average annual salary increase of 8% every 17 months

Regional variations in surveyor salaries

The surveyor salary in New York averages $96,255 per year. Professional Land Surveyors earn varying salaries based on location. In Texas, the average land surveyor salary is $106,250 per year. How much a surveyor makes depends on factors like location, experience, and certification, with PLS certification potentially increasing a land surveyor salary up to $128,000 annually.

Salary comparisons

New York vs Texas

• Average annual salaries:

  • Texas land surveyor salary: $106,250
  • Surveyor salary in New York: $96,255
  • Texas surveyors earn on average $10,000 more annually than their New York counterparts

• Salary ranges:

  • Texas land surveyor salary range: $85,000 (entry-level) to $127,241 (experienced)
  • New York City: $50,485 to $74,411 for Land Surveyor I positions

• Surveyor salary per hour:

  • Texas: Approximately $54.49 per hour (based on annual salary)
  • New York: Specific hourly rates not provided, but can be estimated based on annual salaries

Factors influencing regional variations

• Cost of living:

  • New York City is 48% more expensive than Dallas, Texas
  • To maintain the same standard of living, a salary of $116,851 in New York is equivalent to $70,000 in Dallas

• State-specific regulations:

  • Different states have varying requirements for licensure, education, and experience, which can impact how much a surveyor makes
  • Oklahoma, for example, requires specific education, experience, and examination requirements for licensure

• Industry demand:

  • Specialization in areas like environmental impact assessments or smart city development can increase demand and fees

Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) certification impact

• Salary boost: PLS certification can significantly increase how much a surveyor makes, with top earners reaching $128,000 annually

• Salary range: PLS-certified surveyors earn between $63,000 and $128,000, depending on experience and location

• Gender distribution: 94% of PLS-certified surveyors are male, while 3.6% are female

Surveying industry cost factors by region

• Project complexity: Larger, more complex projects in urban areas or with difficult terrain can lead to higher costs and potentially higher land surveyor salaries

• Regulatory compliance: Local zoning laws and national standards can impact survey costs and indirectly affect how much a surveyor makes

• Technological tools: Advanced equipment and software can increase project costs but may also justify higher salaries for skilled operators

Challenges in the surveyor job market (2024)

• Technology adoption: Smaller firms may struggle with the costs of new technologies, potentially impacting surveyor salaries

• Data privacy: Increasing focus on protecting sensitive geospatial data may require additional skills and responsibilities

• Regulatory compliance: Evolving regulations in drone usage and environmental standards may impact job requirements and how much a surveyor makes

FAQ

What is the average salary for a land surveyor in the USA?

The average salary for a land surveyor in the USA is approximately $68,061 per year. Salaries typically range from $59,288 to $76,262 annually.

How much does an entry-level land surveyor make?

Entry-level land surveyors typically earn between $32,000 and $67,000 per year. The starting salary can be as low as $22,800 for those with less than 2 years of experience.

What is the highest paying surveying job?

The highest paying surveying jobs are typically for experienced licensed surveyors with advanced degrees. These positions can pay up to $126,000 per year, especially for male Registered Professional Land Surveyors (RPLS).

How does a land surveyor's salary vary by state?

Land surveyor salaries vary significantly by state. For example, the average salary in California is $112,500, while in Texas it's $106,250, and in New York it's $96,255.

What factors affect a professional land surveyor's salary?

The main factors affecting a professional land surveyor's salary include experience, education, certification, location, and industry specialization. Advanced degrees, PLS certification, and specialization in high-demand areas can significantly increase earning potential.