Surveyor Salary in San Jose, CA: $110,191 (2026)

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

San Jose offers a median surveyor salary of $110,191, which is $19,677 above the California state average of $90,514. Compared to the national median of $65,590, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $110,191 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $65,590. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for surveyors in San Jose spans from $67,200 at the 10th percentile to $178,080 at the 90th percentile — a $110,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,560, while senior surveyors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $168,000. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Surveyor Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level surveyor earns around $70,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $168,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$70,560

+$28,560 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$112,560

+$45,560 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$168,000

+$68,000 vs national

Percentile	San Jose	CA State	National
10th Percentile	$67,200	$55,200	$40,000
25th Percentile	$87,360	$71,760	$52,000
Median (50th)	$110,191	$90,514	$65,590
75th Percentile	$144,480	$118,680	$86,000
90th Percentile	$178,080	$146,280	$106,000

Percentile

San Jose

10th Percentile

$67,200

25th Percentile

$87,360

Median (50th)

$110,191

75th Percentile

$144,480

90th Percentile

$178,080

How to Become a Surveyor in San Jose

Education

Most surveyor positions require a bachelor's degree. San Jose 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 Jose may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Surveyor Salary in San Jose

How much does a Surveyor make in San Jose, CA? ▼

The median surveyor salary in San Jose, California is $110,191 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median of $65,590. Salaries range from $67,200 (10th percentile) to $178,080 (90th percentile).

How much does a Surveyor make per hour in San Jose? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $110,191, a surveyor in San Jose earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does San Jose compare to the California state average for surveyor pay? ▼

San Jose's median surveyor salary of $110,191 is 21.7% above the California state average of $90,514. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼

San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a surveyor salary of $110,191 in San Jose has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a surveyor in San Jose? ▼

Most surveyor positions in San Jose 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.

Surveyor Salary in San Jose, California