Average Surveying and Mapping Technicians Salary in California
Surveying and Mapping Technicians in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $76,350, significantly surpassing the national average of $55,780. This substantial difference is largely attributed to California's robust construction industry, high demand for infrastructure development, and the overall higher cost of doing business within the state, which necessitates competitive compensation to attract and retain skilled professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $76,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $115,050.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,670 Surveying and Mapping Technicians, California demonstrates a notable presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.55 indicates that while the concentration is below the national average, the sheer size of the workforce suggests a consistent demand for these specialized roles, particularly in areas undergoing significant development or requiring precise land data.
Salary Overview
The average Surveying and Mapping Technicians in California earns+36.9%above the national average.
$36.7
$1,468
$6,363
Surveying and Mapping Technicians Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Surveying and Mapping Technicians in California have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased infrastructure projects, technological advancements in surveying equipment, and a growing need for accurate mapping in urban planning and environmental management likely contribute to upward pressure on wages.
Surveying and Mapping Technicians Salary Distribution in California
Career progression for Surveying and Mapping Technicians in California typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior technicians with specialized skills and extensive project management experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the potential for substantial career advancement and increased earning power.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $44,920 | $21.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $57,263 | $27.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $71,860 | $34.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $95,438 | $45.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $115,050 | $55.3 |
Detailed Surveying and Mapping Technicians Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$76,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,126
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
While the nominal average salary of $76,350 in California appears attractive, it must be considered in the context of the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5, which is substantially higher than the national average. This means that despite the higher paycheck, the purchasing power of a Surveying and Mapping Technician's salary in California may be less than it seems when compared to more affordable regions, requiring careful financial planning.
Job Market Context
3,670
Total Jobs
0.203
Per 1K Jobs
0.55
Location Quotient
California has 0.55x the national average concentration of Surveying and Mapping Technicians jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.55 suggests that Surveying and Mapping Technicians are less concentrated in California compared to the national average. This could indicate a market where demand might outpace the readily available supply of specialized talent in certain areas, potentially leading to competitive hiring practices and opportunities for skilled professionals, though it doesn't necessarily imply an oversaturated market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Surveying and Mapping Technicians
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fresno, CA Surveying and Mapping Technicians Salary | $68,830↓ 10% | 46 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Surveying and Mapping Technicians Salary | $58,390↓ 24% | 64 mi |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Surveying and Mapping Technicians Salary | $79,050↑ 4% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near California
Hiring Surveying and Mapping Technicianss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Surveying and Mapping Technicians make in California?
The median annual salary for a Surveying and Mapping Technicians in California is $76,350. This typically ranges from $44,920 for entry-level positions to $115,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 36.9% higher than the national median of $55,780.
Is California a lucrative place for Surveying and Mapping Technicianss?
Yes, but with caveats.California offers a significantly higher average salary for Surveying and Mapping Technicians compared to the national average. However, the elevated cost of living in the state means that the real value of this salary requires careful consideration.
Is California a good place to live for Surveying and Mapping Technicians?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near California?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fresno, CA ($68,830) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.
What is the average salary for a Surveying and Mapping Technician in California?
The average annual salary for Surveying and Mapping Technicians in California is $76,350.
How does California's salary for this role compare to the national average?
California's average salary of $76,350 is considerably higher than the national average of $55,780.
What is the Cost of Living Index in California?
California has a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, meaning it is 38.5% more expensive than the national average.
How many Surveying and Mapping Technicians work in California?
There are approximately 3,670 Surveying and Mapping Technicians employed in California.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,670 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.203 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Surveying and Mapping Technicians • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California