Surveyor Jobs in California
Surveyor jobs in California are among the most active in the country, driven by large-scale infrastructure projects, land development, and construction activity with openings at every level from field technician through licensed professional surveyor. The busiest hiring centers are Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Diego, where firms like AECOM, WSP, and Caltrans anchor consistent demand. The most in-demand specialties are land surveying, construction staking, and geomatics. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Surveyor JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 116+ Surveyor jobs





The Surveyor II or above is an intermediate-level position for an individual under the supervision and guidance of experienced field surveyors. The Surveyor II’s primary function is to examine and report on vessels and other marine structures during and after construction relative to compliance with the applicable requirements for maintaining the vessel in Classification with ABS and meeting associated statutory and special service requirements related to Safety of Life at Sea, Loadline, Tonnage, Cargo Gear and Pollution Prevention Certification.
What You Will Do: (With the assistance and guidance of an experienced ABS Surveyor)
- Acts as a professional specialist for the organization in the application of related rules, regulations, requirements, concepts, principles and processes.
- Performs routine surveys on classed vessels, platforms or other marine structures and at manufacturers for classification and compliance with statutory requirements.
- Prepares technically accurate and timely reports of inspections and surveys performed.
- Engages in contact with clients to resolve problems within area of expertise.
- Maintains survey files in an orderly and up-to-date manner in area of responsibility.
What You Will Need:
Education and Experience
- Qualifications from a tertiary institution within a relevant field of engineering or physical science (minimum two (2) years program); or
- Qualifications from a marine or nautical institution and relevant seagoing experience as a certificated ship officer, and
- Minimum requirements & knowledge listed for Surveyor I.
- Minimum three (3) years of experience working as a Surveyor I or
- Minimum five (5) years of experience in an Engineering or Survey Capacity within the marine industry or other applicable industry to their specialization
- Appropriate certification and/or licenses in areas of specialization may be required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to develop a working knowledge of ABS Rules, Guides, statutory regulations, and related instructions, as well as the ABS Employee Safety Policy.
- Ability to read engineering plans and have a basic understanding of shipbuilding practices and vessel operations.
- Ability to perform surveys in the prescribed format.
- Knowledge of computer programs or software packages related to job responsibilities.
- Knowledge of related technical interfaces required for group project work.
- Knowledge of ships' engineering systems and machinery.
- Ability to communicate in English, orally and in writing, pertinent information relative to assigned area of technical expertise.
- Ability to analyze problems and propose solutions.
- Responsiveness to customers and the ability to work well with others.
- Ability to obtain a working knowledge of the ABS Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental Management Systems.
- Through broader and more technically challenging work assignments, the individual must develop a thorough understanding of field operations, policies, methods, and procedures.
Physical Requirements:
- Where allowed by local laws, a pre-employment physical examination is mandatory.
- The role of surveyor/auditor requires sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, and both visual and auditory acuity to perform the listed duties effectively.
- The ability to climb vertical ladders up to nine meters and navigate steep steps is essential.
- Shall be capable of working at heights on various staging and lifting equipment.
- Shall be able to maneuver in tight spaces and work inside confined areas for extended periods, including kneeling and crawling.
- The role may involve exposure to industrial environments, potential injury risks, extreme weather conditions, and demanding physical activities.
- Shall be able to lift at least 25 lbs. / 11.34 kgs.
- The use of small tools and the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), in accordance with ABS safety procedures, may be required.
- Where allowed by local laws, the surveyor will be required to successfully complete an annual physical that will recertify that the individual can perform the physical actions required.
Reporting Relationships:
Will report to the Principal, Senior, or Surveyor-in-Charge of the assigned port. This position does not have any direct reports.
Salary:
80k - 130k (plus COLA)
Notice:
This position requires access to information that is subject to control by the Export Administration Regulations and/or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Any offer of employment shall be contingent upon the Company’s verification that the candidate is a “U.S. Person” or upon the receipt of all necessary export licenses or authorizations that may be required by U.S. export control laws. “U.S. Persons” are defined as U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents (i.e., “green card” holders), or any individual granted protected status under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)), including asylees and refugees. In the event a candidate refuses or cannot otherwise provide the necessary information for the Company to determine whether such licenses may be required, or for the Company to obtain any required licenses, the Company shall maintain the exclusive right to discontinue the application process and/or withdraw any contingent offer that has been made.
See All 116+ Surveyor Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Surveyor JobsSurveyor Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Surveyor Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Turner & Townsend Pty Limited12

- RDSolutions9

- Willdan7

- Wood Rodgers7

- BKF Engineers6

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services28
- Energy6
- Construction & Real Estate4
- Government & Public Sector1
- Healthcare & Medical Services1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in surveyor jobs across California.
- Active California Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license or eligibility for licensure
- Proficiency with total station equipment, GPS, and data collection software
- Experience reading and interpreting construction plans, plats, and legal descriptions
- Familiarity with CAD software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D or Microstation
- Strong working knowledge of California survey laws and boundary principles
- Valid driver's license and ability to work in varied outdoor field conditions
Surveyor Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a surveyor in California?
To become a licensed surveyor in California, you must earn licensure as a Professional Land Surveyor through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. The path requires a qualifying degree in surveying, geomatics, or a related field, followed by supervised experience under a licensed PLS and passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying exams. California also offers a Land Surveyor-in-Training designation for candidates building toward full licensure.
How much do surveyors make in California?
Surveyors in California earn a median of about $105,330 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $59,310 for the lowest 10% to over $160,430 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire surveyors in California?
Employers hiring surveyors in California right now include Turner & Townsend Pty Limited, RDSolutions, and Willdan, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's volume of public infrastructure, transportation, and land development projects means both large engineering firms and regional survey companies maintain steady hiring throughout the year.
Which California cities have the most surveyor jobs?
The California cities with the most surveyor openings are San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Los Angeles and San Diego draw heavy demand from construction, transportation, and coastal development projects, while Sacramento sees consistent volume from state government contracts and Central Valley land development tied to agriculture and water infrastructure.
Are there remote surveyor jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Surveying is fundamentally field-based work, and most roles require on-site presence for data collection, boundary work, or construction staking. About 61% of surveyor openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions are typically in geospatial analysis, data processing, or project management rather than hands-on field surveying.
How can I get hired as a surveyor in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for survey technician or field crew positions with large California engineering firms such as AECOM, Kimley-Horn, or regional land development companies that regularly bring on entry-level staff. Community college programs in geomatics or surveying technology, particularly at schools like Fresno City College or Mt. San Antonio College, provide practical credentials that strengthen applications. Pursuing the Land Surveyor-in-Training registration early signals commitment and gives you a formal edge over uncredentialed candidates.
Where can I find and apply to surveyor jobs in California?
You can find and apply to surveyor jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 116+ Surveyor Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Surveyor Jobs