Salary distribution
Where San Diego surveyors fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $77,450 and $127,460, with a median of $103,230.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Geography
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Mathematics
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Mathematical Reasoning
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.
- 02
Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
- 03
Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.
- 04
Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
- 05
Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
- 06
Record the results of surveys, including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.
- 07
Prepare, or supervise preparation of, all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
- 08
Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for surveyors.
- Sacramento$124,990
- San Francisco$122,690
- San Jose$110,450
- Los Angeles$103,930
- Riverside$102,390
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Surveyors in San Diego, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Surveyors in the San Diego metropolitan area is $103,230.
- Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Surveyors?
- The San Diego metro median is -0.5% versus the California state median of $103,790.
- How does San Diego compare to the national median for Surveyors?
- The San Diego metro median is +45.5% versus the BLS national figure of $70,928.
- What is the salary range for Surveyors in San Diego?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $62,550 and the 90th-percentile at $151,660 for the San Diego metro area.
- What education is required for Surveyors?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.