Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MT Board of Business
Surveyor Licensing in Montana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for surveyor in Montana, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Surveyor in Montana
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: No educational requirements
- Examination: No exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Board of Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$79,230 median (9% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#13 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Montana
With a median salary of 79,230, Surveyors in Montana earn 9% above the national median of $72,740. Montana ranks #13 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$79,230Hourly estimate
$38.099% above national median
Difference: +$6,490
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSurveyor Salary Ranking
#13 of 50 statesfor Surveyor median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | 103,790 |
| #2 | New Jersey | 93,260 |
| #3 | Washington | 88,340 |
| #4 | Oregon | 87,730 |
| #5 | South Dakota | 86,260 |
Nearby States Comparison
Surveyor licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | $79,230 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| North Dakota | $78,750 | No educational requirements | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| South Dakota | $86,260 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Wyoming | $77,320 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Idaho | $74,270 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Dakota | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Idaho | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Board of Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors
301 South Park, 4th Floor, PO Box 200513, Helena, MT, 59620-0513
Phone: 4068412017
Related Careers in Montana
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $82,670 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $74,400 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $80,390 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $96,670 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Surveyor in Montana?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Surveyors in Montana?
Montana lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Surveyors.
What education do you need to become a Surveyor in Montana?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Surveyor licensure in Montana.
What is the typical Surveyor salary in Montana?
The median annual salary for Surveyors in Montana is 79,230. Salaries range from $57,990 (10th percentile) to $109,030 (90th percentile).
How does the Surveyor salary in Montana compare to the national average?
Surveyors in Montana earn 9% above the national median of $72,740, with a state median of 79,230.
How many Surveyors work in Montana?
Montana employs approximately 360 Surveyors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Surveyor license to Montana from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Surveyors in Montana?
The licensing agency is Board of Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors. Review agency details at http://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/pel.