Surveyors: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Surveyors fall under the Architecture and Engineering category in the U.S. occupational classification. Surveyors earn a median salary of $75,440 per year, ranking in the top 33% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +5.8% job growth through 2035, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do surveyors earn?

The median annual wage for surveyors is $75,440. That puts surveyors at #275 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is surveyors a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for surveyors is +5.8%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 52K positions in 2024 to 55K in 2034, a net change of 3K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What education does my child need to become surveyor?

The standard path into surveyors begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  $74,510 median
• Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
  $73,900 median
• Mechanical Drafters
  $71,550 median
• Calibration Technologists and Technicians
  $67,820 median
• Architectural and Civil Drafters
  $66,150 median
• Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  $66,120 median

Common questions parents ask about surveyors