What You Need to Know About Geodetic Surveyor
Career Description Measure large areas of the Earth’s surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.
Life As a Geodetic Surveyor
- Compute horizontal and vertical coordinates of control networks, using direct leveling or other geodetic survey techniques, such as triangulation, trilateration, and traversing, to establish features of the Earth’s surface.
- Maintain databases of geodetic and related information, including coordinate, descriptive, or quality assurance data.
- Plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff, providing technical consultation as needed.
- Compute, retrace, or adjust existing surveys of features such as highway alignments, property boundaries, utilities, control and other surveys to match the ground elevation-dependent grids, geodetic grids, or property boundaries and to ensure accuracy and continuity of data used in engineering, surveying, or construction projects.
- Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data.
- Review existing standards, controls, or equipment used, recommending changes or upgrades as needed.
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Qualities of a Geodetic Surveyor
These are the skills Geodetic Surveyors say are the most useful in their careers:
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Types of Geodetic Surveyor
- Geodetic Computator
- Geodetic Advisor
- LIDAR Technician (Light Detection and Ranging Technician)
- Survey Supervisor
- Research Specialist
Job Demand for Geodetic Surveyors
In the United States, there were 44,800 jobs for Geodetic Surveyor in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,000 new jobs for Geodetic Surveyor by 2026. There will be an estimated 3,800 positions for Geodetic Surveyor per year.
The states with the most job growth for Geodetic Surveyor are Utah, Florida, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Washington, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Geodetic Surveyors Salary
The salary for Geodetic Surveyors ranges between about $35,160 and $102,220 a year.
Geodetic Surveyors who work in California, Washington, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do Geodetic Surveyors make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $56,010 |
| Alaska | $79,940 |
| Arizona | $62,050 |
| Arkansas | $48,880 |
| California | $91,010 |
| Colorado | $66,010 |
| Connecticut | $70,810 |
| Delaware | $73,110 |
| Florida | $57,930 |
| Georgia | $59,500 |
| Hawaii | $65,880 |
| Idaho | $65,550 |
| Illinois | $72,540 |
| Indiana | $60,890 |
| Iowa | $65,250 |
| Kansas | $58,420 |
| Kentucky | $56,510 |
| Louisiana | $62,810 |
| Maine | $59,360 |
| Maryland | $65,220 |
| Massachusetts | $66,000 |
| Michigan | $58,850 |
| Minnesota | $65,950 |
| Mississippi | $46,660 |
| Missouri | $59,980 |
| Montana | $63,020 |
| Nebraska | $54,750 |
| Nevada | $80,520 |
| New Hampshire | $63,710 |
| New Jersey | $70,120 |
| New Mexico | $74,470 |
| New York | $77,660 |
| North Carolina | $70,460 |
| North Dakota | $75,360 |
| Ohio | $62,520 |
| Oklahoma | $54,130 |
| Oregon | $68,130 |
| Pennsylvania | $62,400 |
| Rhode Island | $60,070 |
| South Carolina | $49,570 |
| South Dakota | $67,970 |
| Tennessee | $49,280 |
| Texas | $59,980 |
| Utah | $69,150 |
| Vermont | $51,890 |
| Virginia | $70,230 |
| Washington | $85,860 |
| West Virginia | $65,750 |
| Wisconsin | $62,820 |
| Wyoming | $66,160 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Geodetic Surveyors
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Geodetic Surveyors may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Bentley Microstation
- ESRI ArcView
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Virtual reality modeling language VRML software
- Trimble Terramodel
- Traverse PC
- Autodesk CAiCE Visual Transportation
- SiteComp Survey
- QuickCogo
Becoming a Geodetic Surveyor
What education is needed to be a Geodetic Surveyor?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Geodetic Surveyors?
Geodetic Surveyors work in the following industries:
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Geodetic Surveyor might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Geodetic Surveyor in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Mike1979 Russia via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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