California requires a state-level land surveyor license. The licensing authority is State Board of Professional Land Surveyors. The median salary is $94,626 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
California requires a land surveyor to hold a state license. Measure and map the earth's surface to establish official land boundaries for construction and legal purposes. Licensing is administered by the State Board of Professional Land Surveyors.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | Bachelor's degree in surveying or related field + supervised experience (2-4 years) |
| Experience Details | Bachelor's degree in surveying or related field + supervised experience (2-4 years) |
California requires passing the California FS + PS (Fundamentals + Principles and Practice of Surveying) Exams with a minimum score of 70%. The application fee is $350.
| Exam Name | California FS + PS (Fundamentals + Principles and Practice of Surveying) Exams |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | FS + PS (Fundamentals + Principles and Practice of Surveying) Exams |
| Application Fee | $350 |
Getting licensed as a land surveyor in California takes 24 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $350 and renewal fees of $350 every 2 years. Continuing education of 24 hours is required per renewal cycle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $350 |
| License Renewal | $350 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 24 hours |
Land Surveyors in California earn a median salary of $94,626, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | — in California |
| National average | $68,570 |
Yes — California requires a state-level land surveyor license. Measure and map the earth's surface to establish official land boundaries for construction and legal purposes.
The required exam is the California FS + PS (Fundamentals + Principles and Practice of Surveying) Exams. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $350.
The median annual salary for land surveyors in California is $94,626. The national median is $68,570.
California requires 24 hours of continuing education for license renewal every 2 years.
The fastest path takes approximately 6 months. The typical path takes 24 months including experience requirements.