Life As a Geodetic Surveyor
Job Description & Duties 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: What Do They Do?
- 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.
- Provide training and interpretation in the use of methods or procedures for observing and checking controls for geodetic and plane coordinates.
- Plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff, providing technical consultation as needed.
- Prepare progress or technical reports.
- Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data.
- Conduct surveys to determine exact positions, measurement of points, elevations, lines, areas, volumes, contours, or other features of land surfaces.
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What a Geodetic Surveyor Should Know
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.
Related Job Titles
- Geodetic Technician
- Survey Director
- Digital Measurement Advisor
- Regional Geodetic Advisor
- Geographic Information System Surveyor (GIS Surveyor)
Is There Going to be Demand for Geodetic Surveyors?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 44,800 jobs in the United States for Geodetic Surveyor. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 3,800 job openings in this field each 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.
Geodetic Surveyor Salary
The average yearly salary of a Geodetic Surveyor ranges between $35,160 and $102,220.
Geodetic Surveyors who work in California, Washington, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do Geodetic Surveyors make in each U.S. state?
| 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 |
What Tools do Geodetic Surveyors Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Geodetic Surveyors:
- 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 or degrees do I need to become a Geodetic Surveyor?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Geodetic Surveyor?
Where do Geodetic Surveyors Work?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Geodetic Surveyor might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Geodetic Surveyor sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
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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