Chief Land Surveyor Salary in the United States

How much does a Chief Land Surveyor make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Land Surveyor in the United States is $110,290 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.

However, a Chief Land Surveyor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $127,102
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $101,190 to $119,090
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $92,905

Key Factors That Influence Chief Land Surveyor Salaries

A Chief Land Surveyor's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Chief Land Surveyors

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $139,090
  • San Francisco: $137,590
  • Oakland: $134,690

What Skills Can Increase a Chief Land Surveyor's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Planning (Mentioned in 4.46% Job Postings): An act or process of making or carrying out plans. Establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit city planning business planning.
  • Data Collection (Mentioned in 5.75% Job Postings): Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on targeted variables in an established system, which then enables one to answer relevant questions and evaluate outcomes. Data collection is a component of research in all fields of study including physical and social sciences, humanities, and business. While methods vary by discipline, the emphasis on ensuring accurate and honest collection remains the same. The goal for all data collection is to capture quality evidence that allows analysis to lead to the formulation of convincing and credible answers to the questions that have been posed.
  • Design Engineering (Mentioned in 1.24% Job Postings): Creating a system, component, or process to develop new products and systems.
Skills Demand Percentage
Planning 4.46%
Data Collection 5.75%
Design Engineering 1.24%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Chief Land Surveyor's salary.

  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Survey Design: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Business Development: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Collaboration $120,216
9%
Survey Design $118,010
7%
Business Development $116,907
6%

Chief Land Surveyor Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Chief Land Surveyor salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $123,127. While startup companies pay approximate $104,258.

Chief Land Surveyor Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $104,258
Growth Stage 51~500 $110,239
Established 501~5000 $118,889
Enterprise 5000+ $123,127

Chief Land Surveyor Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Chief Land Surveyor roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Chief Land Surveyor positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chief Land Surveyor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Chief Land Surveyor

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$143,377$69.030%
Internet$137,862$66.025%
Financial Services$132,348$64.020%
Pharmaceuticals$132,348$64.020%
Aerospace & Defense$126,833$61.015%

Chief Land Surveyor Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Chief Land Surveyor's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$101,190
Average $110,290/year
$119,090
$8,433
Average $9,191/month
$9,924
$1,946
Average $2,121/week
$2,290
$49
Average $53/hour
$57
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $119,090 $9,924 $2,290 $57
Average $110,290 $9,191 $2,121 $53
25th Percentile $101,190 $8,433 $1,946 $49

Most common benefits for Chief Land Surveyor

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Chief Land Surveyor

Here are companies hiring for Chief Land Surveyor and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Chief Land Surveyor

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Chief Land Surveyor?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Chief Land Surveyor roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What is the average age of a land surveyor?

The average age of a land surveyor is 53 years old, with many approaching retirement. In terms of compensation, Chief Land Surveyors earn between $114,990 and $142,590, with a median salary of $126,190. This reflects the importance and expertise required in the field, especially as the workforce ages.

3. What does a chief surveyor do?

The Chief Land Surveyor is responsible for sealing land surveys, recording drawings, and creating legal descriptions. This role involves analyzing survey records to determine property locations and may include performing or verifying construction staking. The salary for this position ranges from $114,990 to $142,590, with a mid-point of $126,190.

4. How much does a professional land surveyor earn in Texas?

In Texas, a Chief Land Surveyor earns between $114,990 and $142,590 annually, with a median salary of $126,190. This reflects a more specialized role compared to general land surveyors, whose salaries typically range from $48,900 to $85,200, with top earners making around $103,413.

5. Are land surveyors in high demand?

Yes, land surveyors are in high demand. Employment for surveyors is projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. With an average salary ranging from $114,990 to $142,590, and about 4,000 job openings expected each year, this field offers promising opportunities for professionals.

6. What does a land survey crew chief do?

A Chief Land Surveyor assigns and monitors work, evaluates field survey crews, and trains them in survey methods, equipment use, and safety procedures. They must read and interpret maps and data related to land surveying and civil engineering. The salary for this role ranges from $114,990 to $142,590, with a mid-point of $126,190.

7. How many land surveyors are there in the US?

There are over 40,034 land surveyors currently employed in the United States. 6.1% of all land surveyors are women, while 93.9% are men. The average land surveyor age is 43 years old. The most common ethnicity of land surveyors is White (75.4%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (10.9%), Asian (5.0%), and Unknown (4.8%). Chief Land Surveyors earn between $114,990 and $142,590 annually, with a median salary of $126,190.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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