Construction & Real Estate North Dakota (ND) Rank #37 of 50

Surveyor Salary in North Dakota

The median surveyor salary in North Dakota 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
#37 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Surveyor Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for surveyor compensation. Surveyor salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $59,031 per year, surveyors in North Dakota earn $6,559 less than the national median of $65,590.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $61,655.

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 North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level surveyor earns around $37,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,000 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota 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

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $59,031? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND 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 North Dakota

The largest employment areas for surveyors in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Surveyor in North Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Surveying EquipmentGPS/GISCADMathematicsLegal BoundariesField Work

Job Outlook in North Dakota

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

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Surveyors who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $30,969 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Surveyor Roles in North Dakota?

Get matched with recruiters hiring surveyors in North Dakota at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Surveyor Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Surveyor make in North Dakota? ▼
The median surveyor salary in North Dakota 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 North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,031, a surveyor in North Dakota earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for surveyors? ▼
North Dakota ranks #37 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 North Dakota compare to other states for surveyor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for surveyors is Hawaii at $111,503. North Dakota's median of $59,031 ranks #37 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($59,031) and Nebraska ($59,031).
What is the entry-level surveyor salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level surveyor in North Dakota 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 North Dakota pays surveyors the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for surveyors, with a median salary of $61,655. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.