Surveyor

Your Fit

Income

$68K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

4.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Surveyor?

A Surveyor is a professional who measures and maps the Earth's surface, primarily for the purposes of land development, construction, and mapping. They determine property boundaries, create land maps, and prepare sites for construction based on legal and design requirements.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Surveyor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Surveyor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$41K per year	$51K per year	$68K per year	$92K per year	$110K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $20K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Surveyor do?

Work environment

Surveyors split their time between office work, where they plan and analyze their findings, and fieldwork, where they physically measure land and environments. They often work in various locations, from cities to remote areas, and may work in different weather conditions. Travel to sites, sometimes in rugged terrain, is a common aspect of the job.

Quick task list

Measures distances, directions, and angles between points on, above, and below the Earth's surface.
Researches land records and titles to determine property boundaries.
Prepares reports, maps, and plots of land measurements.
Uses GPS, GIS, and other technology for mapping and surveying.
Collaborates with engineers, architects, and developers on construction projects.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Geodetic Surveying: Using satellite and aerial imaging to measure large areas of the Earth's surface.
Land Surveying: Focusing on determining land boundaries and preparing sites for construction.
Hydrographic Surveying: Measuring and mapping underwater features for marine navigation and construction.
Photogrammetry: Creating maps and models from aerial and satellite images.
Forensic Surveying: Providing surveying expertise for legal cases and accident scenes.

Description

Surveyors play a crucial role in land development and construction, ensuring accurate measurements for legal and building purposes. They use a variety of tools, including traditional instruments and advanced technology like GPS and GIS systems, to gather and analyze data about the land. Their work is essential for various projects, including residential and commercial construction, road building, and government land use planning.

The occupation requires a combination of outdoor fieldwork and indoor analysis. Surveyors must be comfortable working outdoors, sometimes in challenging conditions, and be skilled in using technical equipment and software for data analysis. Attention to detail is critical, as the measurements and data they provide form the legal basis for land transactions and development.

Surveyors need strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think spatially. They often work on teams with other professionals, so good communication and collaboration skills are important. The profession offers a unique blend of physical outdoor work, technical challenges, and legal responsibilities.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the development and planning of land and communities.
Working in a mix of environments, both outdoors and in an office.
The satisfaction of providing precise and legally important information.

You might make a good Surveyor if you are...

Interested in geography, mapping, and the outdoors.
Proficient in math and enjoy working with technology.
Detail-oriented and capable of producing precise and accurate work.
Comfortable working both in the field and in an office environment.
Good at problem-solving and critical thinking.

Pros:

Variety in work settings and tasks.
Opportunities for independent and team-based work.
The intellectual challenge of applying technical skills and knowledge.

Cons:

Fieldwork can be physically demanding and sometimes in difficult weather conditions.
The need to keep up-to-date with changing technology and legal requirements.
Project work can sometimes lead to long hours to meet deadlines.

How to become a Surveyor

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, or a related field is typically required, which is about 4 years of post-secondary education. Licensure is also required in many states, which involves passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) exam.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics, especially geometry and trigonometry, for calculating angles and distances.
Geography and earth sciences to understand landforms and mapping.
Computer science to develop skills in GIS and other surveying software.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in outdoor clubs or activities like hiking or orienteering.
Joining a robotics club to get familiar with technology and programming.
Volunteering with local surveying or engineering firms.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, or a related field.
Gain hands-on experience through internships or cooperative education opportunities.
Prepare for and pass the NCEES exam to become a licensed surveyor.

More resources

National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) - Offers resources and certification information for surveyors.
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) - Provides information on the licensure exam for surveyors.
The American Surveyor Magazine - A publication dedicated to surveying professionals.
Surveyor Connect - An online community for discussions and networking among surveyors.

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