Surveyors in Alabama earn an average annual salary of $70,510, which is slightly below the national average of $75,200. This difference can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the state's specific economic landscape and the demand for surveying services within its borders. While the nominal pay may be lower, understanding the local cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $70,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $102,290.
- Outlook: Alabama's surveyor job market appears stable, supporting a local workforce of 830 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.15, the state shows a slightly higher concentration of surveyors than the national average, suggesting a steady demand for their specialized skills in land measurement and boundary determination across various projects within the state.
Surveyors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Surveyors in Alabama have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is likely driven by ongoing development, infrastructure projects, and the continuous need for accurate land data, which typically leads to increased compensation for skilled professionals in the field.
Surveyors Salary Distribution in Alabama
The career trajectory for Surveyors in Alabama typically involves significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the progression and reward associated with advancing through the ranks in this profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $44,140 | $21.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $52,883 | $25.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $63,700 | $30.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $88,138 | $42.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $102,290 | $49.2 |
Detailed Surveyors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$70,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$80,034
Adjusted for COL (88.1)
The average Surveyor salary of $70,510 in Alabama is significantly enhanced by the state's lower cost of living, which stands at 88.1 compared to the national average of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Alabama surveyor's income is effectively higher, allowing their earnings to stretch further for housing, goods, and services than in more expensive states, making it a financially advantageous location.
Job Market Context
830
Total Jobs
0.397
Per 1K Jobs
1.15
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.15, Alabama has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Surveyors roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.15, Alabama demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of Surveyors relative to its general workforce compared to the national average. This indicates a healthy, albeit not overwhelmingly saturated, job market where demand for surveying expertise is robust, suggesting good opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Surveyors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Surveyors Salary | $69,120↓ 2% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Surveyors Salary | $73,710↑ 5% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Surveyors Salary | $63,290↓ 10% | 52 mi |
Comparing salaries near Alabama
Hiring Surveyorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Surveyors make in Alabama?
The median annual salary for a Surveyors in Alabama is $70,510. This typically ranges from $44,140 for entry-level positions to $102,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Alabama is 6.2% lower than the national median of $75,200.
Is Alabama a lucrative place for Surveyors?
Yes, particularly when considering the cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, Alabama's lower cost of living significantly boosts the purchasing power of a Surveyor's income. The state also shows a healthy concentration of these professionals, indicating consistent demand.
Is Alabama a good place to live for Surveyors?
With a Cost of Living Index of 88.1 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Alabama?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($69,120) and Birmingham, AL.
What is the average salary for a Surveyor in Alabama?
The average annual salary for a Surveyor in Alabama is $70,510.
How does Alabama's cost of living compare to the national average?
Alabama's cost of living index is 88.1, which is notably lower than the national average index of 100.
Is the demand for Surveyors high in Alabama?
With a Location Quotient of 1.15, the demand for Surveyors in Alabama is slightly higher than the national average, indicating a favorable job market.
How many Surveyors are employed in Alabama?
There are approximately 830 Surveyors employed within the state of Alabama.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 830 employees in the Alabama area with a job density of 0.397 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Surveyors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alabama