Average Surveyors Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Surveyors in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $98,580. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $75,200, indicating a robust demand and potentially higher cost of doing business within this dynamic region. The specialized nature of surveying, coupled with the economic activity in the Pacific Northwest, likely contributes to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $98,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $134,990.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 360 Surveyors, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area demonstrates a dedicated professional community. The Location Quotient of 0.5 suggests that while Surveyors are present, the concentration is below the national average, implying that the demand might be steady but not overwhelmingly saturated. This balance could offer stable employment opportunities for skilled professionals in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Surveyors in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+31.1%above the national average.
$47.4
$1,896
$8,215
Surveyors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Surveyors in a thriving metropolitan area like Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for infrastructure development, and the need for precise land management in a growing region typically drive upward salary trends for specialized roles.
Surveyors Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
The career trajectory for Surveyors typically involves significant salary progression based on experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise, hone their technical skills, and take on more complex projects, their earning potential increases substantially. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often reflected in percentile data, signifies the value placed on accumulated knowledge and project management capabilities in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $69,790 | $33.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $73,935 | $35.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $98,720 | $47.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $123,225 | $59.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $134,990 | $64.9 |
Detailed Surveyors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$98,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$98,580
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $98,580 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national average. Therefore, the increased earnings are likely offset by the local cost of living, suggesting that the higher pay is a reflection of the economic conditions in the area.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
0.171
Per 1K Jobs
0.5
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.50x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.5 for Surveyors in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue indicates that the profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a market for Surveyors, the job pool might be more specialized or less competitive than in other regions. Companies may need to actively recruit to fill positions, potentially leading to more favorable negotiation opportunities for experienced professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Surveyors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Surveyors Salary | $92,670↓ 6% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Surveyors Salary | $83,020↓ 16% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Surveyors Salary | $88,220↓ 11% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Surveyors Salary | $92,370↓ 6% | 47 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Surveyorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Surveyors make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Surveyors in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $98,580. This typically ranges from $69,790 for entry-level positions to $134,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 31.1% higher than the national median of $75,200.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Surveyors?
Yes, with caveats.Surveyors in this region earn significantly above the national average salary. However, the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the increased pay is balanced by expenses.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Surveyors?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($92,670) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Surveyor salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Surveyors in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $98,580, which is substantially higher than the national average of $75,200.
What is the concentration of Surveyors in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The Location Quotient for Surveyors in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 0.5, meaning the concentration of this profession is half that of the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a Surveyor's salary in Seattle?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher nominal salary is offset by comparable living expenses.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.5 imply for Surveyor job opportunities?
A Location Quotient of 0.5 suggests that Surveyors are less concentrated in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue compared to the rest of the country, potentially indicating a steady but not overly saturated job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 0.171 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA