What Does it Take to Be a Surveyor?
Surveyor Definition 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.
List of Surveyor Job Duties
- Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.
- Determine specifications for photographic equipment to be used for aerial photography, as well as altitudes from which to photograph terrain.
- Develop criteria for survey methods and procedures.
- Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
- Analyze survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation.
- Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods using knowledge of techniques of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.
Featured schools near , edit
Skills Needed to be a Surveyor
Below is a list of the skills most Surveyors say are important on the job.
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
- Home Surveyor
- Licensed Surveyor
- Survey Manager
- Land Examiner
- Mineral Surveyor
Is There Going to be Demand for Surveyors?
In the United States, there were 44,800 jobs for Surveyor in 2016. 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.
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.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Surveyors in different U.S. states.
| 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 do I Become a Surveyor?
What education is needed to be a Surveyor?
What work experience do I need to become a Surveyor?
Where Surveyors Work
Surveyors work in the following industries:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being a Surveyor may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Mike1979 Russia via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.