Surveyor Salary in Charleston, WV: $57,719 (2026)

Surveyor Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median surveyor salary of $57,719, which is $2,623 above the West Virginia state average of $55,096. Compared to the national median of $65,590, Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Charleston's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $57,719 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,590 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for surveyors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for surveyors in Charleston spans from $35,200 at the 10th percentile to $93,280 at the 90th percentile — a $58,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior surveyors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,000. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Surveyor Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level surveyor earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,960

$-5,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$58,960

$-8,040 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$88,000

$-12,000 vs national

Percentile	Charleston	WV State	National
10th Percentile	$35,200	$33,600	$40,000
25th Percentile	$45,760	$43,680	$52,000
Median (50th)	$57,719	$55,096	$65,590
75th Percentile	$75,680	$72,240	$86,000
90th Percentile	$93,280	$89,040	$106,000

Percentile

Charleston

10th Percentile

$35,200

25th Percentile

$45,760

Median (50th)

$57,719

75th Percentile

$75,680

90th Percentile

$93,280

How to Become a Surveyor in Charleston

Education

Most surveyor positions require a bachelor's degree. Charleston and the surrounding West Virginia 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 Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Surveyor Salary in Charleston

How much does a Surveyor make in Charleston, WV? ▼

The median surveyor salary in Charleston, West Virginia is $57,719 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $65,590. Salaries range from $35,200 (10th percentile) to $93,280 (90th percentile).

How much does a Surveyor make per hour in Charleston? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $57,719, a surveyor in Charleston earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Charleston compare to the West Virginia state average for surveyor pay? ▼

Charleston's median surveyor salary of $57,719 is 4.8% above the West Virginia state average of $55,096. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Charleston, WV? ▼

Charleston has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a surveyor salary of $57,719 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a surveyor in Charleston? ▼

Most surveyor positions in Charleston 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.

Surveyor Salary in Charleston, West Virginia