What You Need to Know About Surveyor
Job 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.
Daily Life Of a Surveyor
- Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.
- Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.
- Analyze survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation.
- Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
- Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
- Survey bodies of water to determine navigable channels and to secure data for construction of breakwaters, piers, and other marine structures.
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Skills Needed to be a Surveyor
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.
Types of Surveyor
- Survey Party Chief
- Licensed Surveyor
- Survey Engineer
- Survey Superintendent
- Topographical Surveyor
Is There Going to be 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.
Salary for a Surveyor
The average yearly salary of a Surveyor ranges 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?
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
Learn what Surveyor education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do 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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