Construction & Real Estate Michigan (MI) Rank #35 of 50

Surveyor Salary in Michigan

The median surveyor salary in Michigan is $59,031 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $65,590.

Median Salary
$59,031
vs National
$-6,559
State Rank
#35 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Surveyor Salary Overview in Michigan (2026)

Michigan ranks #35 out of 50 states for surveyor compensation. Surveyor salaries in Michigan are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $59,031 per year, surveyors in Michigan earn $6,559 less than the national median of $65,590.

A key advantage of working in Michigan is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $59,031 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $65,590 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Michigan is significant: surveyors at the 10th percentile earn $36,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $95,400 — a $59,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Michigan for this role is Ann Arbor, where the median reaches $68,870.

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 Michigan by Experience

In Michigan, an entry-level surveyor earns around $37,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,000 per year. The cost of living index in Michigan is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,300
$-6,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,000
$-10,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Michigan

Percentile MI Salary
10th Percentile $36,000
25th Percentile $46,800
Median (50th) $59,031
75th Percentile $77,400
90th Percentile $95,400

Surveyor Salary by City in Michigan

The largest employment areas for surveyors in Michigan include Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Warren. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Surveyor in Michigan

Education

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

Key Skills

Surveying EquipmentGPS/GISCADMathematicsLegal BoundariesField Work

Job Outlook in Michigan

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Surveyor Salary in Michigan

How much does a Surveyor make in Michigan? ▼
The median surveyor salary in Michigan is $59,031 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $65,590. Salaries range from $36,000 (10th percentile) to $95,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surveyor make per hour in Michigan? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,031, a surveyor in Michigan earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Michigan a good state for surveyors? ▼
Michigan ranks #35 out of 50 states for surveyor pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level surveyors earn $37,800, while senior professionals earn $90,000.
How does Michigan compare to other states for surveyor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for surveyors is Hawaii at $111,503. Michigan's median of $59,031 ranks #35 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($59,687) and Indiana ($59,031).
What is the entry-level surveyor salary in Michigan? ▼
An entry-level surveyor in Michigan earns approximately $37,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $60,300. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $90,000.
What city in Michigan pays surveyors the most? ▼
Ann Arbor is the highest paying city in Michigan for surveyors, with a median salary of $68,870. Other cities include Detroit and Grand Rapids.