Construction & Real Estate Illinois (IL) Rank #24 of 50

Surveyor Salary in Illinois

The median surveyor salary in Illinois is $62,311 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $65,590.

Median Salary
$62,311
vs National
$-3,279
State Rank
#24 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Surveyor Salary Overview in Illinois (2026)

Illinois ranks #24 out of 50 states for surveyor compensation. Illinois falls in the middle of the pack for surveyor pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $62,311 per year, surveyors in Illinois earn $3,279 less than the national median of $65,590.

Illinois's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning surveyor salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Illinois is significant: surveyors at the 10th percentile earn $38,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $100,700 — a $62,700 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Illinois for this role is Naperville, where the median reaches $70,837.

Nationally, surveyor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for surveyors across the country.

Surveyor Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level surveyor earns around $39,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,000 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,900
$-2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,650
$-3,350 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,000
$-5,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile IL Salary
10th Percentile $38,000
25th Percentile $49,400
Median (50th) $62,311
75th Percentile $81,700
90th Percentile $100,700

Surveyor Salary by City in Illinois

The largest employment areas for surveyors in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Surveyor in Illinois

Education

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

Key Skills

Surveying EquipmentGPS/GISCADMathematicsLegal BoundariesField Work

Job Outlook in Illinois

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Surveyor Salary in Illinois

How much does a Surveyor make in Illinois? ▼
The median surveyor salary in Illinois is $62,311 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $65,590. Salaries range from $38,000 (10th percentile) to $100,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surveyor make per hour in Illinois? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,311, a surveyor in Illinois earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Illinois a good state for surveyors? ▼
Illinois ranks #24 out of 50 states for surveyor pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level surveyors earn $39,900, while senior professionals earn $95,000.
How does Illinois compare to other states for surveyor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for surveyors is Hawaii at $111,503. Illinois's median of $62,311 ranks #24 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($63,622) and Pennsylvania ($62,966).
What is the entry-level surveyor salary in Illinois? ▼
An entry-level surveyor in Illinois earns approximately $39,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $63,650. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $95,000.
What city in Illinois pays surveyors the most? ▼
Naperville is the highest paying city in Illinois for surveyors, with a median salary of $70,837. Other cities include Chicago and Aurora.