Construction & Real Estate California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Surveyor Salary in California

The median surveyor salary in California is $90,514 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $65,590.

Median Salary
$90,514
vs National
+$24,924
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Surveyor Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level surveyor earns around $57,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $138,000 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,960
+$15,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,460
+$25,460 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$138,000
+$38,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $55,200
25th Percentile $71,760
Median (50th) $90,514
75th Percentile $118,680
90th Percentile $146,280

Surveyor Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for surveyors in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$95,761
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$119,374
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$93,138
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$110,191
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$77,396
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Surveyor in California

Education

Most surveyor positions require a bachelor's degree. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Surveying EquipmentGPS/GISCADMathematicsLegal BoundariesField Work

Job Outlook in California

Nationally, surveyor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Surveyor Jobs in California

Browse open surveyor positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Surveyor Salary in California

How much does a Surveyor make in California? ▼
The median surveyor salary in California is $90,514 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $65,590. Salaries range from $55,200 (10th percentile) to $146,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surveyor make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,514, a surveyor in California earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for surveyors? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for surveyor pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level surveyors earn $57,960, while senior professionals earn $138,000.
How does California compare to other states for surveyor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for surveyors is Hawaii at $111,503. California's median of $90,514 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($111,503) and Massachusetts ($88,547).
What is the entry-level surveyor salary in California? ▼
An entry-level surveyor in California earns approximately $57,960 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $92,460. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $138,000.
What city in California pays surveyors the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for surveyors, with a median salary of $119,374. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.