Surveyors
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$72,740
~$35/hr · ~$6,062/mo
US Jobs
56K
As fast as average
AI & Automation Risk
5/10
Moderate
AI & Automation Risk
Moderate 5/10
Surveying is a hybrid occupation that combines significant physical fieldwork with digital data processing. While AI and automation (via drones and GIS) are rapidly increasing productivity in the mapping and analysis phases, the core requirements of physical site visits, navigating rugged terrain, and providing legally certified human testimony in court create a substantial barrier to full automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yuba City, CABEST VALUE | $130,730 | Above avg (103.8) | $125,971 |
| Redding, CA | $121,250 | Above avg (103.0) | $117,717 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $124,990 | Above avg (109.1) | $114,574 |
| Fresno, CA | $115,620 | Above avg (104.0) | $111,169 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $97,160 | Below avg (89.2) | $108,969 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $122,690 | Above avg (117.6) | $104,372 |
| Salem, OR | $105,000 | Average (102.5) | $102,480 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV | $96,640 | Average (98.3) | $98,325 |
| Reno, NV | $95,890 | Average (98.0) | $97,822 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $110,450 | Above avg (113.1) | $97,692 |
| Modesto, CA | $101,690 | Above avg (105.1) | $96,731 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $86,610 | Below avg (90.1) | $96,136 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $102,390 | Above avg (107.3) | $95,388 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $93,100 | Average (98.2) | $94,829 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $104,480 | Above avg (111.0) | $94,108 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+4% (As fast as average)
Hourly Rate
~$35/hr
Monthly Income
~$6,062/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)