Construction & Real Estate Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Surveyor Salary in Rhode Island

The median surveyor salary in Rhode Island is $68,870 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $65,590.

Median Salary
$68,870
vs National
+$3,280
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Surveyor Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for surveyor compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for surveyor pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $68,870 per year, surveyors in Rhode Island earn $3,280 more than the national median of $65,590.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning surveyor salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: surveyors at the 10th percentile earn $42,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $111,300 — a $69,300 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, 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 Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level surveyor earns around $44,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,000 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,100
+$2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,350
+$3,350 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,000
+$5,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $42,000
25th Percentile $54,600
Median (50th) $68,870
75th Percentile $90,300
90th Percentile $111,300

Surveyor Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for surveyors in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Surveyor in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

Surveying EquipmentGPS/GISCADMathematicsLegal BoundariesField Work

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Surveyor Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Surveyor make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median surveyor salary in Rhode Island is $68,870 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $65,590. Salaries range from $42,000 (10th percentile) to $111,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surveyor make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,870, a surveyor in Rhode Island earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for surveyors? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for surveyor pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level surveyors earn $44,100, while senior professionals earn $105,000.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for surveyor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for surveyors is Hawaii at $111,503. Rhode Island's median of $68,870 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($68,870) and New Hampshire ($68,870).
What is the entry-level surveyor salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level surveyor in Rhode Island earns approximately $44,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $70,350. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $105,000.
What city in Rhode Island pays surveyors the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for surveyors, with a median salary of $70,837. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.