Surveyors in Alaska command an impressive average annual salary of $94,900, substantially exceeding the national average of $75,200. This elevated compensation is largely driven by Alaska's unique geographical challenges, remote work environments, and the specialized skills required to navigate its vast and often rugged terrain, necessitating higher pay to attract and retain qualified professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $94,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $155,030.
- Outlook: Alaska's surveyor job market, while modest in absolute terms with a local workforce of 290, exhibits strong localized demand as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.61. This suggests that surveyors are significantly more concentrated in Alaska than the national average, pointing to a robust need for their expertise within the state's specific economic and developmental landscape.
Surveyors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the demand for surveyors in Alaska has seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in infrastructure development and resource management. This sustained demand likely translates to a steady increase in average salaries, reflecting the ongoing need for skilled professionals in this specialized field.
Surveyors Salary Distribution in Alaska
The career trajectory for surveyors in Alaska typically involves a significant salary progression from entry-level positions to senior roles. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the substantial gap between starting salaries and the $94,900 average strongly indicates that accumulating experience and expertise leads to considerable earning potential and career advancement within the state.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $60,600 | $29.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $71,175 | $34.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $85,520 | $41.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $118,625 | $57 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $155,030 | $74.5 |
Detailed Surveyors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$94,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$74,961
Adjusted for COL (126.6)
While the nominal average salary for surveyors in Alaska is a robust $94,900, the state's Cost of Living Index stands at 126.6, meaning expenses are about 26.6% higher than the national average. This suggests that while the gross income is high, the purchasing power may be somewhat tempered by the elevated cost of goods and services in the state.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
0.898
Per 1K Jobs
2.61
Location Quotient
Alaska has 2.6x the national concentration of Surveyors jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Alaska's Location Quotient of 2.61 for surveyors is a strong indicator of a highly concentrated job market. This signifies that the proportion of surveyors employed in Alaska is more than double the national proportion, suggesting a competitive environment where demand for these specialized skills is significantly higher relative to the general workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Surveyors make in Alaska?
The median annual salary for a Surveyors in Alaska is $94,900. This typically ranges from $60,600 for entry-level positions to $155,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Alaska is 26.2% higher than the national median of $75,200.
Is Alaska a lucrative place for Surveyors?
Yes, Alaska is a lucrative place for Surveyors.Surveyors in Alaska earn a notably higher average salary than the national average, and the strong location quotient indicates high demand for their specialized skills.
Is Alaska a good place to live for Surveyors?
The Cost of Living Index in Alaska is 126.6. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the Alaska surveyor salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for surveyors in Alaska is $94,900, which is significantly higher than the national average of $75,200.
What is the concentration of surveyors in Alaska?
Alaska has a high concentration of surveyors, with a Location Quotient of 2.61, meaning they are more than twice as prevalent as in the rest of the United States.
How does the cost of living affect the surveyor salary in Alaska?
Alaska's Cost of Living Index is 126.6, which is higher than the national average. This means that while the salary is high, the actual purchasing power is reduced by increased living expenses.
What is the total number of surveyors employed in Alaska?
There are approximately 290 surveyors employed in Alaska, representing 0.898 jobs per 1,000 workers in the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Alaska area with a job density of 0.898 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 Alaska