All About Surveyors
Position Description 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.
Surveyor Responsibilities
- Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.
- Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods using knowledge of techniques of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.
- Analyze survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation.
- Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.
- Record the results of surveys including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.
- Develop criteria for the design and modification of survey instruments.
Things a Surveyor Should Know How to Do
Surveyors state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Other Surveyor Job Titles
- Registered Public Surveyor
- Licensed Surveyor
- Survey Crew Chief
- Survey Manager
- County Surveyor
Job Demand for Surveyors
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 44,800 jobs in the United States for 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 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 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.
Surveyor Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Surveyors is somewhere between $35,160 and $102,220.
Surveyors who work in California, Washington, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do 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 Surveyors Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Surveyors may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Spreadsheet software
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Bentley MicroStation
- ESRI ArcView
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Internet browser software
- Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Data logging software
- Bentley Systems InRoads Suite
- Bentley GeoPak Bridge
- Carlson SurvCADD
- Trimble Terramodel
- Survey software
Becoming a Surveyor
Education needed to be a Surveyor:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Surveyor?
Where Surveyors Work
Below are examples of industries where Surveyors work:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Surveyor may also be interested in:
References:
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