Surveying and Mapping Technicians salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Surveying and Mapping Technicians in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $60,040 a year ($28.87 an hour), based on BLS data for 120 workers.
Pay ranges from $49,610 for the lowest-paid 10% to $80,340 for the top 10%. That is 11% higher than the national median of $54,240. Pay here is 2% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $58,950. There are 0.29 surveying and mapping technicians per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.78). The average (mean) salary is $62,280, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for surveying and mapping technicians in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $49,610 | $23.85 |
| 25th percentile | $50,940 | $24.49 |
| Median | $60,040 | $28.87 |
| 75th percentile | $64,670 | $31.09 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $80,340 | $38.62 |
| Average (mean) | $62,280 | $29.94 |
Half of surveying and mapping technicians earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,003.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,501.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,309.23 |
| Weekly | $1,154.62 |
| Hourly | $28.87 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $60,040 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Surveying and Mapping Technicians salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $59,520 | 50 |
| Iowa City, IA | $59,350 | 30 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $57,200 | 40 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $48,550 | 420 |
Highest-paying states for surveying and mapping technicians
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $78,110 |
| Alaska | $76,970 |
| Minnesota | $73,190 |
| Washington | $62,720 |
| Maryland | $61,600 |
| North Dakota | $60,870 |
| New Jersey | $60,720 |
| Montana | $60,330 |
| Ohio | $60,330 |
| Rhode Island | $60,320 |
See Surveying and Mapping Technicians pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $72,470 | $34.84 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $64,240 | $30.89 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $76,440 | $36.75 |
| Mechanical Drafter | $75,510 | $36.30 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $105,160 | $50.56 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $78,700 | $37.84 |
| Drafters, All Other | $62,840 | $30.21 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $51,200 | $24.62 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $78,150 | $37.57 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $74,470 | $35.81 |
| Civil Engineer | $97,330 | $46.79 |
| Industrial Engineer | $98,270 | $47.25 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $85,490 | $41.10 |
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | $97,460 | $46.85 |
More: Architecture and Engineering Occupations · all salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 17-3031. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a surveying and mapping technicians make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for surveying and mapping technicians in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $60,040 a year, or $28.87 an hour. Pay ranges from $49,610 for the lowest-paid 10% to $80,340 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid surveying and mapping technicians make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of surveying and mapping technicians in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $80,340 a year. The top 25% earn $64,670 or more.
What is the starting pay for surveying and mapping technicians in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $49,610 a year, and a quarter of surveying and mapping technicians earn $50,940 or less.
How many surveying and mapping technicians work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 120 surveying and mapping technicians are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.