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.
Surveyors
SOC: 17-1022 O*NET: 17-1022.00
Median Salary
$72,740
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.4%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
3.9
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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 does a Surveyors do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$43,680
10th percentile
Early Career
$53,590
25th percentile
Median
$72,740
50th percentile
Experienced
$94,550
75th percentile
Top Earners
$116,330
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$43,680
25th
$53,590
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$72,740
Mean: $76,730
75th
$94,550
90th
$116,330
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $72,650 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $53,590 and $94,550
- •Salary spread is 56.3% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 53,080 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:56,100
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services75.9%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services75.9%
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services72.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.4%
Annual Openings:3,900
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)56,100
Current
2034 (Projected)58,600
+4.4%
+2,500
Employment Change
+4.4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Surveyors professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
7,530 jobs$59,4501.58x
Florida
4,310 jobs$62,1001.27x
California
3,750 jobs$103,7900.60x
Massachusetts
1,800 jobs$84,2601.44x
Georgia
1,720 jobs$60,4101.03x
North Carolina
1,660 jobs$67,8700.98x
Colorado
1,580 jobs$77,0501.58x
New York
1,570 jobs$79,0500.48x
Illinois
1,450 jobs$77,5400.69x
Arizona
1,440 jobs$78,4801.31x
Virginia
1,410 jobs$73,3801.01x
Michigan
1,410 jobs$69,9900.93x
Pennsylvania
1,360 jobs$73,6800.65x
Louisiana
1,360 jobs$60,0202.06x
Ohio
1,160 jobs$65,9700.61x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Mathematics
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
94%
#3
Critical Thinking
86%
#4
Writing
80%
#5
Speaking
74%
#6
Active Listening
66%
#7
Coordination
60%
#8
Active Learning
54%
#9
Judgment and Decision Making
46%
#10
Learning Strategies
40%
Skills Overview
Mathematics
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Writing
intermediate4.0
80%
Speaking
intermediate3.7
74%
Active Listening
intermediate3.3
66%
Coordination
intermediate3.0
60%
Active Learning
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Mathematics
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Coordination
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Learning Strategies
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Astronomers82%
5 shared skills
Cost Estimators82%
5 shared skills
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Survey Researchers82%
5 shared skills
Accountants and Auditors67%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Writing
Learn on the Job:
- →Active Listening
- →Coordination
- →Active Learning
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Writing
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Mathematics
- ★Writing
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Speaking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Surveyors
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
🔥 Hot TechBentley MicroStation
🔥 Hot TechESRI ArcGIS software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
Bentley MicroStation
ESRI ArcGIS software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🌤️
Location
MOSTLY OUTDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly outdoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Documentation & Record-Keeping (4)General Responsibilities (9)Management & Supervision (3)Planning & Development (3)Communication & Coordination (1)Analysis & Evaluation (1)
1
Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping100% perform100%
2
Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision94% perform96%
4
Record the results of surveys, including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping91% perform94%
5
Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Prepare, or supervise preparation of, all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision85% perform90%
7
Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping76% perform84%
10
Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Communication & Coordination73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on documentation & record-keeping activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Surveyors
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Surveyors professionals typically have a CRI Holland code and highly value relationships
CConventional
RRealistic
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Surveyors
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.90
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.80
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.70
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.25
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.15
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.05
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.9
Integrity
4.8
Dependability
4.7
Persistence
4.3
Analytical Thinking
4.2
Cooperation
4.0
Leadership
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.0
Initiative
4.0
Stress Tolerance
3.9
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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