Surveyors in Colorado earn an impressive average annual salary of $81,420, significantly surpassing the national average of $75,200. This elevated compensation is likely driven by Colorado's robust economic activity, particularly in sectors like construction and natural resources, which rely heavily on skilled surveying professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $81,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $114,140.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,580 Surveyors and a Location Quotient of 1.58, Colorado demonstrates a strong concentration of these professionals relative to the national average. This indicates a healthy demand and a specialized job market, suggesting a robust outlook for surveying roles within the state.
Surveyors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Surveyors in Colorado have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is typically fueled by increasing demand for land development, infrastructure projects, and the need for accurate geospatial data.
Surveyors Salary Distribution in Colorado
The salary range for Surveyors in Colorado typically expands significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive project management experience can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear career progression path.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $55,440 | $26.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $61,065 | $29.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $77,050 | $37 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $101,775 | $48.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $114,140 | $54.9 |
Detailed Surveyors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$81,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$77,175
Adjusted for COL (105.5)
While the average Surveyor salary in Colorado is $81,420, the state's Cost of Living Index stands at 105.5, slightly above the national average. This means that while nominal earnings are higher, the purchasing power of that salary is marginally reduced compared to a national average cost of living, requiring careful budgeting.
Job Market Context
1,580
Total Jobs
0.545
Per 1K Jobs
1.58
Location Quotient
Colorado has 1.6x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.58 signifies that Surveyors are 58% more concentrated in Colorado than the national average. This suggests a more specialized and potentially competitive market, where employers may seek candidates with specific local knowledge or experience, and where the demand for surveying services is notably higher than in many other states.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Surveyors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Surveyors Salary | $77,720↓ 5% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Surveyors Salary | $86,020↑ 6% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Surveyors Salary | $75,330↓ 7% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Surveyors Salary | $86,810↑ 7% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Surveyors Salary | $69,330↓ 15% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado
Hiring Surveyorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Surveyors make in Colorado?
The median annual salary for a Surveyors in Colorado is $81,420. This typically ranges from $55,440 for entry-level positions to $114,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado is 8.3% higher than the national median of $75,200.
Is Colorado a lucrative place for Surveyors?
Yes, Colorado offers lucrative opportunities for Surveyors.Surveyors in Colorado earn above the national average salary, and the state's high concentration of these professionals indicates strong market demand.
Is Colorado a good place to live for Surveyors?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($77,720) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does the number of Surveyors in Colorado compare nationally?
Colorado has 1,580 Surveyors in its local workforce, and with a Location Quotient of 1.58, the state has a higher concentration of these professionals than the national average.
What is the job availability for Surveyors in Colorado?
With 0.545 jobs per 1,000 workers, the availability of Surveyor positions in Colorado is moderate, but the high Location Quotient suggests a specialized and potentially robust demand.
How does the cost of living affect a Surveyor's salary in Colorado?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5, meaning expenses are 5.5% higher than the national average. This slightly offsets the higher average salary of $81,420, making careful financial planning essential.
What factors contribute to the higher Surveyor salaries in Colorado?
Higher salaries are likely driven by Colorado's strong economy, particularly in construction and resource management, and the specialized demand for surveying expertise in a state with diverse geographical and development needs.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,580 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 0.545 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 Colorado