Construction & Real Estate Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Surveyor Salary in Virginia

The median surveyor salary in Virginia is $68,214 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $65,590.

Median Salary
$68,214
vs National
+$2,624
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Surveyor Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for surveyor compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for surveyor pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $68,214 per year, surveyors in Virginia earn $2,624 more than the national median of $65,590.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning surveyor salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: surveyors at the 10th percentile earn $41,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $110,240 — a $68,640 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $86,579.

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 Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level surveyor earns around $43,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,000 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,680
+$1,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$69,680
+$2,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$104,000
+$4,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $41,600
25th Percentile $54,080
Median (50th) $68,214
75th Percentile $89,440
90th Percentile $110,240

Surveyor Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for surveyors in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Surveyor in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Surveying EquipmentGPS/GISCADMathematicsLegal BoundariesField Work

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Surveyor Salary in Virginia

How much does a Surveyor make in Virginia? ▼
The median surveyor salary in Virginia is $68,214 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $65,590. Salaries range from $41,600 (10th percentile) to $110,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surveyor make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,214, a surveyor in Virginia earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for surveyors? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for surveyor pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level surveyors earn $43,680, while senior professionals earn $104,000.
How does Virginia compare to other states for surveyor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for surveyors is Hawaii at $111,503. Virginia's median of $68,214 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($68,870) and Rhode Island ($68,870).
What is the entry-level surveyor salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level surveyor in Virginia earns approximately $43,680 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $69,680. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $104,000.
What city in Virginia pays surveyors the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for surveyors, with a median salary of $86,579. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.