Average Surveyors Salary in West Virginia
Surveyors in West Virginia can expect an average annual salary of $67,010. This figure is notably below the national average of $75,200, reflecting a combination of regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's industries. The unique economic landscape of West Virginia directly influences compensation for specialized roles like surveying.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $67,010 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $103,260.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 520 Surveyors, West Virginia presents a focused, yet significant, employment base for this profession. The Location Quotient of 2.14 indicates a strong concentration of Surveyors relative to the national average, suggesting a robust demand and specialized need for these skills within the state's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Surveyors in West Virginia earns-10.9%below the national average.
$32.2
$1,289
$5,584
Surveyors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for skilled professions like surveying tend to experience steady growth over a four-year period. This upward trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for land development and infrastructure projects, and the evolving complexity of surveying technologies.
Surveyors Salary Distribution in West Virginia
The career trajectory for Surveyors in West Virginia shows a clear progression in earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles and reflecting a substantial increase in compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $37,790 | $18.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $50,258 | $24.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $61,610 | $29.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $83,763 | $40.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $103,260 | $49.6 |
Detailed Surveyors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$67,010
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$75,718
Adjusted for COL (88.5)
The average annual salary of $67,010 in West Virginia is considerably enhanced by the state's Cost of Living Index of 88.5, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers a greater purchasing power locally, allowing Surveyors to maintain a comfortable standard of living despite earning less than the national average.
Job Market Context
520
Total Jobs
0.735
Per 1K Jobs
2.14
Location Quotient
West Virginia has 2.1x 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 2.14 for Surveyors in West Virginia signifies a market where this profession is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This suggests a high demand for surveying expertise relative to the general workforce, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive environment for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Surveyors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV Surveyors Salary | $63,950↓ 5% | 38 mi |
| Beckley, WV Surveyors Salary | $62,010↓ 7% | 50 mi |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Surveyors Salary | $67,150↑ 0% | 80 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Virginia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Surveyors make in West Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Surveyors in West Virginia is $67,010. This typically ranges from $37,790 for entry-level positions to $103,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Virginia is 10.9% lower than the national median of $75,200.
Is West Virginia a lucrative place for Surveyors?
Yes, considering the cost of living.While the average salary is below the national benchmark, West Virginia's lower cost of living significantly boosts the purchasing power of a Surveyor's income. The high concentration of Surveyors also indicates strong local demand.
Is West Virginia a good place to live for Surveyors?
With a Cost of Living Index of 88.5 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charleston, WV ($63,950) and Beckley, WV.
How does the number of Surveyors in West Virginia compare nationally?
West Virginia has a total local workforce of 520 Surveyors, and with a Location Quotient of 2.14, the state has a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
What is the purchasing power of a Surveyor's salary in West Virginia?
With an average salary of $67,010 and a Cost of Living Index of 88.5, Surveyors in West Virginia experience higher purchasing power than the national average, meaning their income stretches further locally.
Are there many job opportunities for Surveyors in West Virginia?
The Location Quotient of 2.14 suggests a strong demand for Surveyors in West Virginia, indicating a robust job market for this profession within the state.
How does experience affect a Surveyor's salary in West Virginia?
Experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level Surveyors earning less than senior professionals. The salary scale typically shows significant increases for those with more years in the field and advanced skills.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 520 employees in the West Virginia area with a job density of 0.735 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 West Virginia