Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Business
Surveyor Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for surveyor in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Surveyor in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Professional Engineer; Land Surveyors; & Geologists Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$73,680 median (1% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#26 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Surveyor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Professional Engineer; Land Surveyors; & Geologists Board and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $73,680, Surveyors in Pennsylvania earn 1% above the national median of $72,740. Pennsylvania ranks #26 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$73,680Hourly estimate
$35.421% above national median
Difference: +$940
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSurveyor Salary Ranking
#26 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $73,680 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $79,050 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $93,260 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $85,350 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $62,100 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $61,610 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $65,970 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New York | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New Jersey | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Delaware | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Professional Engineer; Land Surveyors; & Geologists Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177837049
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $95,640 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $57,450 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $77,330 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $92,460 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Surveyor in Pennsylvania?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Surveyors in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Surveyors.
What education do you need to become a Surveyor in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Surveyor licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Surveyor salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Surveyors in Pennsylvania is $73,680. Salaries range from $48,110 (10th percentile) to $111,130 (90th percentile).
How does the Surveyor salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Surveyors in Pennsylvania earn 1% above the national median of $72,740, with a state median of $73,680.
How many Surveyors work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 1,360 Surveyors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Surveyor license to Pennsylvania from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Surveyors in Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Professional Engineer; Land Surveyors; & Geologists Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/EngineersLandSurveyorsandGeologists/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Surveyor license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.