Construction & Real Estate Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Surveyor Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median surveyor salary in Columbia, MD is $77,396 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$77,396
vs State Avg
+$5,247
vs National
+$11,806
Cost of Living
118%

Surveyor Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median surveyor salary of $77,396, which is $5,247 above the Maryland state average of $72,149. Compared to the national median of $65,590, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $77,396 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $65,590. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for surveyors in Columbia spans from $47,200 at the 10th percentile to $125,080 at the 90th percentile — a $77,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,560, while senior surveyors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,000. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Surveyor Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level surveyor earns around $49,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,560
+$7,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,060
+$12,060 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,000
+$18,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $47,200
25th Percentile $61,360
Median (50th) $77,396
75th Percentile $101,480
90th Percentile $125,080

Surveyor Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$80,020
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$75,429
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$70,837
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$68,870
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Surveyor in Columbia

Education

Most surveyor positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Maryland 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Surveyor Jobs in Columbia

Browse open surveyor positions in Columbia, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Surveyor Salary in Columbia

How much does a Surveyor make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median surveyor salary in Columbia, Maryland is $77,396 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $65,590. Salaries range from $47,200 (10th percentile) to $125,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surveyor make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,396, a surveyor in Columbia earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for surveyor pay? ▼
Columbia's median surveyor salary of $77,396 is 7.3% above the Maryland state average of $72,149. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a surveyor salary of $77,396 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surveyor in Columbia? ▼
Most surveyor positions in Columbia 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.