What You Need to Know About Surveyor
Occupation 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.
What Do Surveyors Do On a Daily Basis?
- Prepare or supervise preparation of all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
- Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.
- Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
- Develop criteria for the design and modification of survey instruments.
- Develop criteria for survey methods and procedures.
- Determine specifications for photographic equipment to be used for aerial photography, as well as altitudes from which to photograph terrain.
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Qualities of a Surveyor
When polled, Surveyors say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Project Surveyor
- Land Measurer
- Survey Engineer
- Site Surveyor
- Survey Superintendent
Is There 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. The BLS estimates 3,800 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Do Surveyors Make A Lot Of Money?
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Surveyors
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Surveyors:
- 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
How to Become a Surveyor
Are there Surveyors education requirements?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Surveyors Sector

The table below shows the approximate number of Surveyors employed by various industries.

Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Surveyor might also be interested in the following careers:
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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