Construction & Real Estate Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Surveyor Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median surveyor salary in Detroit, MI is $57,719 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$57,719
vs State Avg
$-1,312
vs National
$-7,871
Cost of Living
88%

Surveyor Pay in Detroit: What to Expect (2026)

Detroit offers a median surveyor salary of $57,719, which is $1,312 below the Michigan state average of $59,031. Compared to the national median of $65,590, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $57,719 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,590 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for surveyors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for surveyors in Detroit spans from $35,200 at the 10th percentile to $93,280 at the 90th percentile — a $58,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior surveyors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,000. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Surveyor Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level surveyor earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,960
$-8,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,000
$-12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $35,200
25th Percentile $45,760
Median (50th) $57,719
75th Percentile $75,680
90th Percentile $93,280

Surveyor Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$68,870
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$59,031
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$57,719
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$56,407
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Surveyor in Detroit

Education

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

Find Surveyor Jobs in Detroit

Browse open surveyor positions in Detroit, MI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Surveyor Salary in Detroit

How much does a Surveyor make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median surveyor salary in Detroit, Michigan is $57,719 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $65,590. Salaries range from $35,200 (10th percentile) to $93,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surveyor make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,719, a surveyor in Detroit earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for surveyor pay? ▼
Detroit's median surveyor salary of $57,719 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $59,031. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a surveyor salary of $57,719 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surveyor in Detroit? ▼
Most surveyor positions in Detroit 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.