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Surveyor Licensing in North Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for surveyor in North Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Surveyor in North Dakota

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: No educational requirements
  • Examination: Both state and third-party exams required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    ND State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $78,750 median (8% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #15 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in North Dakota

With a median salary of 78,750, Surveyors in North Dakota earn 8% above the national median of $72,740. North Dakota ranks #15 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$78,750

Hourly estimate

$37.86
8% above national median

Difference: +$6,010

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$59,650
  • P2525th percentile$70,480
  • P50Median$78,750
  • P7575th percentile$103,860
  • P9090th percentile$117,930

State vs National Median

State: $78,750
National: $72,740

Total employment: 310 | Annual openings: N/A

Surveyor Salary Ranking

#15 of 50 statesfor Surveyor median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California103,790
#2New Jersey93,260
#3Washington88,340
#4Oregon87,730
#5South Dakota86,260

Nearby States Comparison

Surveyor licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
North Dakota$78,750No educational requirementsBoth state and third-party exams required6-24 months
Minnesota$46,610Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
South Dakota$86,260Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Montana$79,230No educational requirementsNo exam required6-24 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Montana54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

ND State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors

PO Box 1357, Bismarck, ND, 58502-1357

Phone: 7012580786

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in North Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$77,640Degree required6-24 months
Certified Public Accountant$72,180Degree required6-24 months
Civil Engineer$96,160Degree required6-24 months
Financial Advisor$98,990No educational requirements6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Surveyor in North Dakota?

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 North Dakota?

North Dakota lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Surveyors.

What education do you need to become a Surveyor in North Dakota?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Surveyor licensure in North Dakota.

What is the typical Surveyor salary in North Dakota?

The median annual salary for Surveyors in North Dakota is 78,750. Salaries range from $59,650 (10th percentile) to $117,930 (90th percentile).

How does the Surveyor salary in North Dakota compare to the national average?

Surveyors in North Dakota earn 8% above the national median of $72,740, with a state median of 78,750.

How many Surveyors work in North Dakota?

North Dakota employs approximately 310 Surveyors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Surveyor license to North Dakota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Surveyors in North Dakota?

The licensing agency is ND State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors. Review agency details at http://www.ndpelsboard.org/.