Life As a Geodetic Surveyor
Occupation Description Measure large areas of the Earth’s surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.
Daily Life Of a Geodetic Surveyor
- Distribute compiled geodetic data to government agencies or the general public.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in technology, equipment, or systems.
- Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards.
- Assess the quality of control data to determine the need for additional survey data for engineering, construction, or other projects.
- Plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff, providing technical consultation as needed.
- Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth’s surface.
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Geodetic Surveyor Needed Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Geodetic Surveyors say are important on the job.
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.
Types of Geodetic Surveyor
- Geodesist
- Geodetic Computator
- Remote Sensing Surveyor
- Geodetic Advisor
- Survey Technologist
Is There Going to be Demand for Geodetic Surveyors?
There were about 44,800 jobs for Geodetic Surveyor in 2016 (in the United States). 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. There will be an estimated 3,800 positions for Geodetic Surveyor per 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
Geodetic Surveyors make between $35,160 and $102,220 a year.

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 & Technology do Geodetic Surveyors Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Geodetic Surveyors may use on a daily basis:
- 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
How to Become a Geodetic Surveyor
Individuals working as a Geodetic Surveyor have obtained the following education levels:

What work experience do I need to become a Geodetic Surveyor?

Geodetic Surveyors Sector

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

Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Geodetic Surveyor may also be interested in:
Are you already one of the many Geodetic Surveyor in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
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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