California pays surveyors more than any other state — its $103,790 median leads all 51 states and D.C. reporting wage data.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $57,330 to $158,720 — a $101,390 spread, 40% wider than the national $72,650 range.
Surveyors are less concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.60 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.67× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $57,330 | $27.56 |
| 25th percentile | $76,820 | $36.94 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $103,790 | $49.90 |
| 75th percentile | $134,070 | $64.46 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $158,720 | $76.31 |
| Mean (average) | $109,620 | $52.70 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $103,790 | n/a |
| New Jersey | $93,260 | -10% |
| Washington | $88,340 | -15% |
| Oregon | $87,730 | -15% |
| South Dakota | $86,260 | -17% |
| Alaska | $85,520 | -18% |
| Delaware | $85,350 | -18% |
| Massachusetts | $84,260 | -19% |
| Nevada | $82,990 | -20% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $103,500 | 9,030 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $104,310 | 48,460 |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $104,930 | 31,480 |
| Labor Relations Specialists | $105,320 | 9,170 |
| Respiratory Therapists | $102,120 | 18,310 |
| Management Analysts | $102,110 | 136,200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Surveyors salary in California?
The mean surveyors salary in California is $109,620 per year. The median (middle) salary is $103,790 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Surveyors in California?
Entry-level surveyorss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $57,330 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $76,820 per year.
What is the highest Surveyors salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $158,720 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $134,070 per year.
How does the California Surveyors salary compare to the national average?
The median surveyors salary in California is $103,790, which is +43% above national average of $72,740.