Construction & Real Estate Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Surveyor Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median surveyor salary in Seattle, WA is $97,073 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$97,073
vs State Avg
+$21,644
vs National
+$31,483
Cost of Living
148%

Surveyor Pay in Seattle: What to Expect (2026)

Seattle offers a median surveyor salary of $97,073, which is $21,644 above the Washington state average of $75,429. Compared to the national median of $65,590, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $97,073 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $65,590. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for surveyors in Seattle spans from $59,200 at the 10th percentile to $156,880 at the 90th percentile — a $97,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,160, while senior surveyors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $148,000. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Surveyor Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level surveyor earns around $62,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $148,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,160
+$20,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$99,160
+$32,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$148,000
+$48,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $59,200
25th Percentile $76,960
Median (50th) $97,073
75th Percentile $127,280
90th Percentile $156,880

Surveyor Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$99,697
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$72,149
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$66,902
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$60,343
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Surveyor in Seattle

Education

Most surveyor positions require a bachelor's degree. Seattle and the surrounding Washington area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Surveying EquipmentGPS/GISCADMathematicsLegal BoundariesField Work

Job Outlook

Nationally, surveyor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Seattle may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Surveyor Jobs in Seattle

Browse open surveyor positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Surveyor Salary in Seattle

How much does a Surveyor make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median surveyor salary in Seattle, Washington is $97,073 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $65,590. Salaries range from $59,200 (10th percentile) to $156,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surveyor make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,073, a surveyor in Seattle earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for surveyor pay? ▼
Seattle's median surveyor salary of $97,073 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $75,429. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a surveyor salary of $97,073 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surveyor in Seattle? ▼
Most surveyor positions in Seattle require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Surveying Equipment, GPS/GIS, CAD, Mathematics. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.