Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Business
Surveyor Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for surveyor in Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Surveyor in Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation • Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA Board)
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$73,380 median (1% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#27 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Surveyor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation~Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA Board) and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $73,380, Surveyors in Virginia earn 1% above the national median of $72,740. Virginia ranks #27 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,471Median annual salary
$73,380Hourly estimate
$35.281% above national median
Difference: +$640
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSurveyor Salary Ranking
#27 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $73,380 | Varies by state board | State 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 |
| Kentucky | $67,060 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $74,690 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $67,870 | Specific course required | State exam required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 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. |
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| North Carolina | 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 Professional and Occupational Regulation • Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA Board)
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA, 23233-1485
Phone: 8043678514
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $97,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $50,990 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $84,190 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $96,210 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Surveyor in Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Virginia lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Surveyors.
What is the typical Surveyor salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Surveyors in Virginia is $73,380. Salaries range from $48,080 (10th percentile) to $106,120 (90th percentile).
How does the Surveyor salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Surveyors in Virginia earn 1% above the national median of $72,740, with a state median of $73,380.
How many Surveyors work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 1,410 Surveyors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Surveyor license to Virginia 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 Virginia?
The licensing agency is Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation / Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA Board). Review agency details at https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/APELS.
How often do you renew a Surveyor license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.