Surveying Degree Programs in Virginia Beach, VA (2026)
Quick answer: The Virginia Beach metro employs about 190 surveyors (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and licensing is set at the state level, through your state surveying licensing board.
Licensing
Licensing is a state matter, not a city one. Surveying is licensed in every state. The national sequence is a board-approved surveying degree, documented experience under a licensed surveyor, the NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying exam and then Principles and Practice of Surveying. Most states add a state-specific examination covering that state’s boundary law and land records, which is why surveying licenses transfer between states less readily than most professional credentials.
See the Virginia licensing and pay overview for the statewide picture, and confirm current requirements with your state surveying licensing board.
Schools Near You
Schools in our database near this area, ranked by BOC Score. The list favors schools with a related program on record, but program availability and delivery format change, so confirm directly with any school that it currently offers the program you want.
We do not have campus-based schools on record within 250 miles of this area right now. School availability changes as programs open and close, and many programs in this field enroll online - see the main program page for options that are not tied to your location. Know a school we missed? Tell us.
What Surveyors Earn in Virginia Beach
Surveyors in the Virginia Beach area earn a median $72,100 per year, below the national median of $75,440 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Surveying Pay in Virginia Beach, VA
| Metric | Virginia Beach metro | Virginia | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $72,100 | $71,070 | $75,440 |
| 10th percentile | $50,640 | $50,770 | $46,880 |
| 25th percentile | $57,850 | $59,860 | $58,170 |
| 75th percentile | $92,250 | $94,330 | $98,130 |
| 90th percentile | $112,370 | $109,600 | $125,590 |
| Employment | 190 | 1,360 | 50,830 |
| Location quotient | 0.77 | - | 1.00 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Metro figures cover the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metropolitan statistical area.
What the Numbers Say About This Market
The Virginia Beach median of $72,100 is below the national median of $75,440, and above the Virginia statewide median of $71,070 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The metro’s location quotient of 0.77 means surveyors are less concentrated here than in the average U.S. labor market (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Higher concentration generally means more employers competing for the same people, and an easier job change later.
Other Virginia Metro Areas
| Metro area | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond | $74,150 | 160 |
Figures: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
Wage and employment figures describe the occupation as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not the graduates of any particular program, and individual outcomes may vary. Licensing rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible state board before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surveyors make in Virginia Beach?
The median annual wage for surveyors in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metro area is $72,100, below the national median of $75,440 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
How many surveyors work in the Virginia Beach area?
The Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metro area employs about 190 surveyors (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Do surveyors in Virginia Beach need a license?
Licensing is handled at state level rather than by city. Surveying is licensed in every state. The national sequence is a board-approved surveying degree, documented experience under a licensed surveyor, the NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying exam and then Principles and Practice of Surveying. Most states add a state-specific examination covering that state's boundary law and land records, which is why surveying licenses transfer between states less readily than most professional credentials. Confirm current requirements with your state surveying licensing board.
Can I study surveying online from Virginia Beach?
The academic portion of these programs is widely available online for working adults, while labs, clinical hours or supervised field work are completed in person. Check that the program's accreditation satisfies your state surveying licensing board.
Is Virginia Beach a better market than the rest of Virginia?
The Virginia Beach metro median is $72,100 against a statewide median of $71,070 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Compare that gap with the difference in living costs before treating it as a raise.
Related
- Surveying degree programs in Virginia - statewide pay, licensing and metro comparison
- Surveying programs and how to choose one
- Land Surveyor career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 - Surveyors (SOC 17-1022), national, state and metropolitan estimates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2024-34
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook - education and licensing requirements
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.