Average Surveyors Salary in California
Surveyors in California command an impressive average annual salary of $109,620, significantly outpacing the national average of $75,200. This substantial difference is largely attributed to California's robust economy, high demand for infrastructure development, and the specialized skills required for land surveying in diverse and often complex terrains across the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $109,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $158,720.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 3,750 Surveyors, California presents a notable, albeit not overwhelmingly concentrated, market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.6 indicates that while Surveyors are present, the concentration is slightly below the national average, suggesting a steady demand that may be met by both local talent and incoming professionals. The rate of 0.208 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a consistent, albeit not explosive, need for surveying expertise.
Salary Overview
The average Surveyors in California earns+45.8%above the national average.
$52.7
$2,108
$9,135
Surveyors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salary for Surveyors in California has experienced a positive growth trend over the past four years, mirroring the state's dynamic economic landscape and increasing infrastructure investments. This upward trajectory is likely driven by factors such as inflation, evolving technological demands in surveying, and a sustained need for accurate land data in a rapidly developing state.
Surveyors Salary Distribution in California
The career path for Surveyors in California offers significant earning potential that scales with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries clearly signifies substantial career progression and increased earning capacity as one advances in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $57,330 | $27.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $82,215 | $39.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $103,790 | $49.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $137,025 | $65.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $158,720 | $76.3 |
Detailed Surveyors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$109,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$79,148
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
While the average annual salary of $109,620 for Surveyors in California is substantially higher than the national average, it's crucial to consider the local cost of living. With an index of 138.5, California is considerably more expensive than the national average (100). This means that while the nominal salary is high, the purchasing power may be somewhat diminished, requiring careful budgeting and financial planning for those considering a move to the state.
Job Market Context
3,750
Total Jobs
0.208
Per 1K Jobs
0.6
Location Quotient
California has 0.60x the national average concentration of Surveyors 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 (LQ) of 0.6 for Surveyors in California suggests that the state has a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This indicates that the job market may be less saturated than in some other regions, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled Surveyors. While not a high-demand hotspot in terms of concentration, the steady presence of 3,750 professionals points to a stable and ongoing need for their services across various industries.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Surveyors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fresno, CA Surveyors Salary | $116,320↑ 6% | 46 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Surveyors Salary | $90,840↓ 17% | 64 mi |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Surveyors Salary | $108,170↓ 1% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near California
Hiring Surveyorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Surveyors make in California?
The median annual salary for a Surveyors in California is $109,620. This typically ranges from $57,330 for entry-level positions to $158,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 45.8% higher than the national median of $75,200.
Is California a lucrative place for Surveyors?
Yes, California is a lucrative place for Surveyors.Surveyors in California earn a significantly higher average salary ($109,620) compared to the national average ($75,200), indicating strong earning potential.
Is California a good place to live for Surveyors?
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 ($116,320) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.
How does the high cost of living in California affect a Surveyor's salary?
Despite the high average salary of $109,620, California's cost of living index of 138.5 means that the real value of this salary is reduced compared to areas with a lower cost of living, necessitating careful financial management.
Is the job market for Surveyors in California competitive?
With a Location Quotient of 0.6, the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a potentially less competitive environment for skilled Surveyors seeking employment.
What is the typical career progression for a Surveyor in California?
Career progression is marked by increasing salary potential, with significant jumps from entry-level to senior roles, reflecting the value of experience and specialized skills in the surveying field.
How many Surveyors are employed in California?
California employs a total local workforce of 3,750 Surveyors, indicating a substantial presence of this profession within the state's economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,750 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.208 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 California