Surveyors

SOC code 17-1022 · O*NET-SOC 17-1022.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering

Surveyors pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$75,440

a year

Hourly

$36.27

per hour

10th$46,880Median$75,44090th$125,590

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$80,570

$38.73 per hour

Middle 50%

$58,170 – $98,130

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$46,880 – $125,590

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

50,830

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $46,880; $22.54/hr
25th percentile: $58,170; $27.97/hr
Median percentile: $75,440; $36.27/hr
75th percentile: $98,130; $47.18/hr
90th percentile: $125,590; $60.38/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+4%

Growing faster than average

56,100

jobs in 2024

58,600

projected for 2034

About 2,500 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does a surveyor do?

Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.
Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.
Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
Record the results of surveys, including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.
Prepare, or supervise preparation of, all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.

How to become a surveyor

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 47% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree47%
Some College Courses21%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)16%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11%

Common questions

How much does a surveyor earn?

The national median is $75,440 a year. The full range runs from $46,880 at the 10th percentile to $125,590 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a surveyor without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is surveyor in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 4% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Mathematics4.0/5
Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Writing3.8/5
Critical Thinking3.8/5
Speaking3.6/5
Active Listening3.5/5
Active Learning3.3/5
Learning Strategies3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Mathematics4.7/5
Engineering and Technology4.3/5
Geography4.0/5
Computers and Electronics4.0/5
Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
Design3.7/5
Building and Construction3.7/5
Administration and Management3.6/5

Transferable strengths: Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making.