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Surveyors

Typical education: Associate degreeHigh pressure

What they do

Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.

Kinds of work

  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.

High pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $75,440 Median per year · $36.27/hr Most earn $46,880–$125,590

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Survey bodies of water to determine navigable channels and to secure data for construction of breakwaters, piers, and other marine structures.
  • Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods, using knowledge of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.
  • Testify as an expert witness in court cases on land survey issues, such as property boundaries.
  • Direct aerial surveys of specified geographical areas.
  • Record the results of surveys, including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.
  • Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.

Job outlook

United States
6% more jobs by 2035, faster than average · about 3,100 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Engineering services34.2%
  • Local government, excluding education and hospitals5.2%
  • State government, excluding education and hospitals3.1%
  • Highway, street, and bridge construction2.1%
  • Self-employed (their own business)2.1%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 1 to 2 years

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Associate degreeExperience before this job: 1 to 2 years

Surveying usually isn't a straight-out-of-school job. Most people earn an associate degree, work 1 to 2 years in a related field learning field and office skills, and then move into surveyor roles. Plan on roughly 3 to 4 years of training and experience after high school.

  1. High school diploma with strong math

    4 years

    Build a solid base in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, since surveyors use these every day to calculate distances, angles, and elevations.

  2. Associate degree in surveying or geomatics

    2 years

    Learn measurement methods, mapping software, land law basics, and field equipment, which prepares you for entry-level technician work.

  3. Surveying and Mapping Technician

    1-2 years

    Work on survey crews running total stations and GPS receivers, collecting field data and drafting maps under a licensed surveyor's supervision.

  4. Surveyor

    Take on full survey projects, determine property boundaries, and sign off on maps. Many states also expect you to pass licensing exams before you can do this work on your own.

Where it can lead

  1. Geodetic Surveyor

    1-2 years of experience first

    Move into high-precision work on large-scale measurements of the earth's shape and gravity, which usually requires a bachelor's degree and advanced math and geodesy skills.

  2. Civil Engineer

    2-4 years of experience first

    Use survey data to design roads, water systems, and buildings; this usually means earning a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and eventually a professional license.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take geometry and trigonometryThese classes teach the angle and distance math that surveyors use on every job.
  • Take a drafting, CAD, or computer classBasic drawing and computer skills carry over directly into producing survey maps.
  • Job shadow or interview a local surveyorTalking with someone who does the work shows you the daily tasks and helps you decide if it fits you.
  • Find a summer or part-time job on a construction or landscaping crewOutdoor work teaches teamwork and comfort with field conditions, and it shows employers you can handle site work.
  • Join a robotics, engineering, or science clubTeamwork on building and measuring projects builds problem-solving skills that carry into surveying.

In college

  • Enroll in a surveying, geomatics, or civil engineering technology programAn associate or certificate program in this area gives you the core training employers look for in technicians.
  • Take trigonometry, algebra, and an introductory GIS courseStrong math and mapping software skills are the foundation for both field work and office work in surveying.
  • Work a summer internship with a survey firm or county engineering officeField time on a real crew builds experience you need for the 1-2 years of prior work typically expected.
  • Take a campus job in a lab, library map collection, or facilities officeWorking with maps, data, or equipment builds organization and technical habits while you study.
  • Join a student chapter of a surveying or geospatial society, if your school has oneChapter events connect you with working surveyors, job leads, and study resources for licensing exams.

Tips for getting started

  • Get hands-on time with the field. Crew experience, even summer work, matters as much as classes when employers hire for survey technician roles.
  • Learn mapping and GIS software early. Most survey firms use computer tools for drafting and data management, so these skills make you more hireable.
  • Check your state's licensing rules now. Requirements differ by state, so knowing the steps (such as the Fundamentals of Surveying exam) helps you plan your courses and experience.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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