Construction & Real Estate Washington (WA) Rank #7 of 50

Surveyor Salary in Washington

The median surveyor salary in Washington is $75,429 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $65,590.

Median Salary
$75,429
vs National
+$9,839
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Surveyor Salary Overview in Washington (2026)

Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for surveyor compensation. This places Washington in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for surveyors seeking high pay. At $75,429 per year, surveyors in Washington earn $9,839 more than the national median of $65,590.

It's worth noting that Washington's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $75,429 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $65,590.

The salary spread in Washington is significant: surveyors at the 10th percentile earn $46,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $121,900 — a $75,900 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Washington for this role is Bellevue, where the median reaches $99,697.

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 Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level surveyor earns around $48,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,000 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,300
+$6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,050
+$10,050 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,000
+$15,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $46,000
25th Percentile $59,800
Median (50th) $75,429
75th Percentile $98,900
90th Percentile $121,900

Surveyor Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for surveyors in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Surveyor in Washington

Education

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

Key Skills

Surveying EquipmentGPS/GISCADMathematicsLegal BoundariesField Work

Job Outlook in Washington

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Surveyor Salary in Washington

How much does a Surveyor make in Washington? ▼
The median surveyor salary in Washington is $75,429 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $65,590. Salaries range from $46,000 (10th percentile) to $121,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surveyor make per hour in Washington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,429, a surveyor in Washington earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Washington a good state for surveyors? ▼
Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for surveyor pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level surveyors earn $48,300, while senior professionals earn $115,000.
How does Washington compare to other states for surveyor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for surveyors is Hawaii at $111,503. Washington's median of $75,429 ranks #7 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New York ($80,020) and New Jersey ($75,429).
What is the entry-level surveyor salary in Washington? ▼
An entry-level surveyor in Washington earns approximately $48,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $77,050. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $115,000.
What city in Washington pays surveyors the most? ▼
Bellevue is the highest paying city in Washington for surveyors, with a median salary of $99,697. Other cities include Seattle and Spokane.