Construction & Real Estate South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Surveyor Salary in South Carolina

The median surveyor salary in South Carolina is $58,375 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $65,590.

Median Salary
$58,375
vs National
$-7,215
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Surveyor Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for surveyor compensation. Surveyor salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $58,375 per year, surveyors in South Carolina earn $7,215 less than the national median of $65,590.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $58,375 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $65,590 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: surveyors at the 10th percentile earn $35,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $94,340 — a $58,740 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Carolina for this role is Mount Pleasant, 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 South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level surveyor earns around $37,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,000 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,380
$-4,620 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,630
$-7,370 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,000
$-11,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $35,600
25th Percentile $46,280
Median (50th) $58,375
75th Percentile $76,540
90th Percentile $94,340

Surveyor Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for surveyors in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Surveyor in South Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Surveying EquipmentGPS/GISCADMathematicsLegal BoundariesField Work

Job Outlook in South Carolina

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Surveyor Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Surveyor make in South Carolina? ▼
The median surveyor salary in South Carolina is $58,375 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $65,590. Salaries range from $35,600 (10th percentile) to $94,340 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surveyor make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,375, a surveyor in South Carolina earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for surveyors? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for surveyor pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level surveyors earn $37,380, while senior professionals earn $89,000.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for surveyor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for surveyors is Hawaii at $111,503. South Carolina's median of $58,375 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($59,031) and Iowa ($58,375).
What is the entry-level surveyor salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level surveyor in South Carolina earns approximately $37,380 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $59,630. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $89,000.
What city in South Carolina pays surveyors the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for surveyors, with a median salary of $68,870. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.