As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Survey Director in the United States is $220,625 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $106.
However, a Survey Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Survey Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Survey Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Security ... Level Survey Director | $89,957 |
| Security ... Level Survey Director | $105,311 |
| Security ... Level Survey Director | $151,101 |
| Security ... Level Survey Director | $168,878 |
| Survey Di... Level Survey Director | $219,220 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Survey Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 8.8% |
| EHS | 3.47% |
| Business Administration | 1.6% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Flexibility
|
$258,131 |
17%
|
|
Incident Response
|
$255,925 |
16%
|
|
Team Management
|
$255,925 |
16%
|
|
Integrity
|
$253,719 |
15%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$251,513 |
14%
|
|
Physical Security
|
$249,306 |
13%
|
For Survey Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Survey Director positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Survey Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $275,781 | $133.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $264,750 | $127.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $253,719 | $122.0 | 15% |
| Construction | $242,688 | $117.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $242,688 | $117.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Survey Directors enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Survey Director with a Bachelor's Degree is between $217,808 and $237,251).
Survey Director Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.6% |
| High School | 10.7% |
| Associates | 3.6% |
| Bachelors | 35.7% |
| Masters | 42.9% |
| Doctorate | 3.6% |
Understanding how a Survey Director'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Survey Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $197,093 in 2023 to around $194,742 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Survey Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $197,093 |
| 2024 | $198,495 |
| 2025 | $194,742 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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