Land Surveyor Salary
by City (2026)
Measure land boundaries and features to establish legal property descriptions. National median: $78K/year. See how your city compares.
Land Surveyor salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $78K Land Surveyor salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βLand Surveyor Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Land Surveyor is $78,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $58,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $102,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Land Surveyors nationally earn $130,000+.
Education and requirements
Bachelor's in Surveying; Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license. This role is 15% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Land Surveyor compensation is growing at 3.8% annually, above the national average wage growth rate.
Land Surveyor salary FAQ
How much does a Land Surveyor make?
The median Land Surveyor salary in the US is $78,000 per year β about $38/hour. Most earn between $58,000 (25th percentile) and $102,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Land Surveyor?
Entry-level Land Surveyor positions typically start around $58,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Land Surveyors earn?
The top 10% of Land Surveyors earn $130,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Land Surveyors the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Land Surveyor salary at $117K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Land Surveyor salaries going up?
Yes β Land Surveyor pay is growing about 3.8% year over year, above the US average wage-growth rate.