What is a Geodetic Surveyor?
Example of a Geodetic Surveyor Job Measure large areas of the Earth’s surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.
Geodetic Surveyor Responsibilities
- Determine orientation of tracts of land, including position, boundaries, size, and shape, using theodolites, electronic distance-measuring equipment, satellite-based positioning equipment, land information systems, or other geodetic survey equipment.
- Prepare progress or technical reports.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in technology, equipment, or systems.
- Assess the quality of control data to determine the need for additional survey data for engineering, construction, or other projects.
- Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data.
- Maintain databases of geodetic and related information, including coordinate, descriptive, or quality assurance data.
Geodetic Surveyor Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Geodetic Surveyors say are important on the job.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Related Job Titles
- Remote Sensing Surveyor
- Digital Measurement Advisor
- Geodetic Computator
- Geodetic Advisor
- Measurement Advisor
Geodetic Surveyor Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 44,800 jobs for Surveyors in 2016.
New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.2% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,000 new jobs for Geodetic Surveyors by 2026. The BLS estimates 3,800 yearly job openings in this field per year.
The states with the most job growth for Surveyors are Texas, Florida, and California.
Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Rhode Island, or Hawaii. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Geodetic Surveyor Salary
The average yearly salary of a Geodetic Surveyor ranges between $35,160 and $102,220. A Geodetic Surveyor median salary is $62,580.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for jobs of this type in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
|
California |
$91,010 |
|
Washington |
$85,860 |
|
Nevada |
$80,520 |
|
Alaska |
$79,940 |
|
New York |
$77,660 |
|
North Dakota |
$75,360 |
|
New Mexico |
$74,470 |
|
Delaware |
$73,110 |
|
Illinois |
$72,540 |
|
Connecticut |
$70,810 |
|
North Carolina |
$70,460 |
|
Virginia |
$70,230 |
|
New Jersey |
$70,120 |
|
Utah |
$69,150 |
|
Oregon |
$68,130 |
|
South Dakota |
$67,970 |
|
Wyoming |
$66,160 |
|
Colorado |
$66,010 |
|
Massachusetts |
$66,000 |
|
Minnesota |
$65,950 |
|
Hawaii |
$65,880 |
|
West Virginia |
$65,750 |
|
Idaho |
$65,550 |
|
Iowa |
$65,250 |
|
Maryland |
$65,220 |
|
New Hampshire |
$63,710 |
|
Montana |
$63,020 |
|
Wisconsin |
$62,820 |
|
Louisiana |
$62,810 |
|
Ohio |
$62,520 |
|
Pennsylvania |
$62,400 |
|
Arizona |
$62,050 |
|
Indiana |
$60,890 |
|
Rhode Island |
$60,070 |
|
Texas |
$59,980 |
|
Missouri |
$59,980 |
|
Georgia |
$59,500 |
|
Maine |
$59,360 |
|
Michigan |
$58,850 |
|
Kansas |
$58,420 |
|
Florida |
$57,930 |
|
Kentucky |
$56,510 |
|
Alabama |
$56,010 |
|
Nebraska |
$54,750 |
|
Oklahoma |
$54,130 |
|
Vermont |
$51,890 |
|
South Carolina |
$49,570 |
|
Tennessee |
$49,280 |
|
Arkansas |
$48,880 |
|
Mississippi |
$46,660 |
What Tools & Technology do Geodetic Surveyors Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Geodetic Surveyors:
- Microsoft Word
- Carlson Civil
- Bentley Microstation
- Microsoft Office
- Virtual reality modeling language VRML software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- MicroSurvey Software MicroSurvey CAD
- Autodesk CAiCE Visual Transportation
- Geographic information system GIS software
Who Employs Geodetic Surveyors?
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming Geodetic Surveyors might also be interested in the following careers:
- Mapping Technicians
- Geological Sample Test Technicians
Those who work as Geodetic Surveyors sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
- Precision Agriculture Technicians
References
Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons
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