Construction & Real Estate Tennessee (TN) Rank #41 of 50

Surveyor Salary in Tennessee

The median surveyor salary in Tennessee 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
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Surveyor Salary Overview in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for surveyor compensation. Surveyor salaries in Tennessee are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $58,375 per year, surveyors in Tennessee earn $7,215 less than the national median of $65,590.

A key advantage of working in Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee for this role is Nashville, where the median reaches $65,590.

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 Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level surveyor earns around $37,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,000 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee 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

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $58,375? 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 Tennessee

Percentile TN 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 Tennessee

The largest employment areas for surveyors in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Surveyor in Tennessee

Education

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

Key Skills

Surveying EquipmentGPS/GISCADMathematicsLegal BoundariesField Work

Job Outlook in Tennessee

Nationally, surveyor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Tennessee'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 $30,625 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Surveyor Roles in Tennessee?

Get matched with recruiters hiring surveyors in Tennessee at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Surveyor Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Surveyor make in Tennessee? ▼
The median surveyor salary in Tennessee 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 Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,375, a surveyor in Tennessee earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for surveyors? ▼
Tennessee ranks #41 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 Tennessee compare to other states for surveyor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for surveyors is Hawaii at $111,503. Tennessee's median of $58,375 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Iowa ($58,375) and South Carolina ($58,375).
What is the entry-level surveyor salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level surveyor in Tennessee 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 Tennessee pays surveyors the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for surveyors, with a median salary of $65,590. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.