The Average Salary of Land Surveyors

Land surveyors measure and record physical characteristics of land, such as contour and elevation, and determine property boundaries by researching legal documents and performing on-site measurement. Working for construction companies, engineering firms and government agencies, they assist in planning land development and real estate sales.

Starting Salary

According to the PayScale salary survey website, median starting salary in 2009 for land surveyors was between about $30,000 and $46,000, with an increase to $41,000 to $61,000 with 5 years experience.

Average Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows average salary for land surveyors in 2008 at about $27 per hour, or $56,000 annually.

General Range

About 80 percent of land surveyors in 2008 were making between $30,000 and $86,000 a year. Narrowing it further, the middle 50 percent were earning between $39,000 and $70,000.

Most Frequent Employer

Most surveyors in 2008 were working for architectural, engineering and related services, earning just about the average at $55,000.

Potential

Higher-paying opportunities are available in state government positions, at about $66,000, and the federal government at nearly $79,000.

References

• Land surveyor salary charts from PayScale
• Surveyor salary information from the BLS