Construction & Real Estate San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Surveyor Salary in San Diego, California

The median surveyor salary in San Diego, CA is $93,138 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$93,138
vs State Avg
+$2,624
vs National
+$27,548
Cost of Living
142%

Surveyor Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median surveyor salary of $93,138, which is $2,624 above the California state average of $90,514. Compared to the national median of $65,590, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $93,138 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $65,590. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for surveyors in San Diego spans from $56,800 at the 10th percentile to $150,520 at the 90th percentile — a $93,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,640, while senior surveyors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,000. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Surveyor Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level surveyor earns around $59,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,640
+$17,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$95,140
+$28,140 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$142,000
+$42,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $56,800
25th Percentile $73,840
Median (50th) $93,138
75th Percentile $122,120
90th Percentile $150,520

Surveyor Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$119,374
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$110,191
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$95,761
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$77,396
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Surveyor in San Diego

Education

Most surveyor positions require a bachelor's degree. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Surveying EquipmentGPS/GISCADMathematicsLegal BoundariesField Work

Job Outlook

Nationally, surveyor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Surveyor Jobs in San Diego

Browse open surveyor positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Surveyor Salary in San Diego

How much does a Surveyor make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median surveyor salary in San Diego, California is $93,138 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $65,590. Salaries range from $56,800 (10th percentile) to $150,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surveyor make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $93,138, a surveyor in San Diego earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for surveyor pay? ▼
San Diego's median surveyor salary of $93,138 is 2.9% above the California state average of $90,514. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a surveyor salary of $93,138 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surveyor in San Diego? ▼
Most surveyor positions in San Diego require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Surveying Equipment, GPS/GIS, CAD, Mathematics. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.