Surveyor salary in Australia: the Surveying Award minimum for every level from 1 July 2026, what each level covers, casual rates, what surveyors actually earn according to the ATO, and take-home pay in 2026–27.
A surveyor earns at least $35.38 an hour ($69,914 a year) at Level 6, up to $49.09 ($97,011) at Level 1. The ATO median for surveyors was $114,639 in 2023-24.
Land surveyors measure and map land for property boundaries, construction and mining. The Surveying Award covers surveyors, survey technicians and survey assistants in surveying businesses, from Level 12 (survey assistant) up to Level 1 (Surveyor Level VI). Registered or licensed surveyors usually sit at the Surveyor levels.
Surveyor award pay rates
| Level and what it covers | Hourly | Casual hourly | Per year | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 12 Survey Assistant Level I | $26.44 | $33.05 | $52,255 | $1,740 |
| Level 11 Survey Assistant Level II | $27.55 | $34.44 | $54,439 | $1,795 |
| Level 10 Survey Assistant Level III | $29.45 | $36.81 | $58,193 | $1,891 |
| Level 9 Survey Technician Level I | $31.30 | $39.13 | $61,849 | $1,985 |
| Level 8 Survey Technician Level II | $33.77 | $42.21 | $66,721 | $2,110 |
| Level 7 Surveying Technician Level III | $34.46 | $43.08 | $68,094 | $2,146 |
| Level 6 Surveyor Level I | $35.38 | $44.23 | $69,914 | $2,193 |
| Level 5 Surveyor Level II | $37.24 | $46.55 | $73,580 | $2,289 |
| Level 4 Surveyor Level III | $38.16 | $47.70 | $75,410 | $2,337 |
| Level 3 Surveyor Level IV | $39.83 | $49.79 | $78,712 | $2,423 |
| Level 2 Surveyor Level V | $43.54 | $54.43 | $86,029 | $2,615 |
| Level 1 Surveyor Level VI | $49.09 | $61.36 | $97,011 | $2,902 |
Full-time 38 hours a week; per year is the weekly rate × 52. Casual rates include the 25% loading. Take-home pay is after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27.
What surveyors actually earn
| Occupation (ATO) | People | Median salary or wage | Average salary or wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surveyor | 9,869 | $114,639 | $116,834 |
| Surveyor's assistant | 2,178 | $59,373 | $61,507 |
ATO Taxation Statistics 2023-24, Table 15A. Includes part-time workers and overtime.
Graduate surveyors with a degree start at Surveyor Level III (Level 4) or above depending on experience; diploma holders have their own progression scale in the award.
See also Professional Employees Award pay, construction award pay.
Common questions
How much does a surveyor earn in Australia?
The award minimum runs from $35.38 an hour ($69,914 a year full time) at Level 6 (Surveyor Level I) to $49.09 ($97,011) at Level 1, from 1 July 2026. The ATO median salary or wage for surveyors was $114,639 in 2023-24, including part-timers.
What is the casual rate for a surveyor?
$44.23 to $61.36 an hour under the award, including the 25% casual loading.
Which award covers surveyors?
The Surveying Award [MA000066]. Graduate surveyors with a degree start at Surveyor Level III (Level 4) or above depending on experience; diploma holders have their own progression scale in the award.
When do award rates go up?
Each year from the first full pay period on or after 1 July, after the Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review.
Sources: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide and award text (Schedule A), Surveying Award [MA000066]; ATO Taxation Statistics 2023-24. Checked 2026-10-23. General information only.