Surveyors
Surveyors measure and map land, marking property boundaries and collecting data on terrain, elevation, and location for construction, engineering, and legal purposes. They work outdoors on job sites and in offices, using specialized instruments and software to produce detailed records that guide development and establish property lines.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against surveyors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A surveyor's week typically involves fieldwork measuring distances, angles, and elevation changes using instruments like theodolites and GPS equipment. Data collected on-site gets processed and analyzed in the office using computer software to create maps and reports. Tasks include establishing property lines, checking construction progress, and documenting land features for clients in real estate, municipal, or infrastructure projects.
Who this work suits
Holland code CRI. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're suited to surveying if you prefer concrete, measurable tasks and hands-on problem-solving. A logical mind that enjoys working with instruments, data, and established procedures—combined with comfort both outdoors in the field and working with technical software—fits this career well.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold an associate degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Land Surveyor · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · San Juan, Puerto Rico · $74678–$97087
- Land Surveyor · Bureau of Reclamation · Boise, Idaho · $74678–$116362
- Land Surveyor · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · Portland, Oregon · $96443–$125378
- Geodetic Surveyor (Hiring Event) · National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency · Multiple Locations · $73939–$138370
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $78,500 | $105,330 | $134,250 | 4,520 |
| Alaska | $81,050 | $99,550 | $126,390 | 250 |
| Oregon | $78,850 | $97,070 | $112,260 | 530 |
| Massachusetts | $76,770 | $94,590 | $104,450 | 1,290 |
| Washington | $76,000 | $85,610 | $119,060 | 780 |
| Montana | $71,730 | $84,610 | $104,810 | 350 |
| Minnesota | $67,190 | $83,620 | $100,130 | 980 |
| Maine | $61,480 | $83,200 | $118,020 | 270 |
| Delaware | $73,990 | $82,890 | $99,580 | 120 |
| Nevada | $76,000 | $82,460 | $102,900 | 490 |
| Hawaii | $61,030 | $82,200 | $96,550 | 140 |
| Wyoming | $76,690 | $81,250 | $102,000 | 240 |
All 50 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Federal Surveyor (CFedS) — National Society of Professional Surveyors
- Certified Surveyor Technician: Level IV (CST) — National Society of Professional Surveyors
- Certified Surveyor Technician: Level II — National Society of Professional Surveyors
- Certified Surveyor Technician: Level III — National Society of Professional Surveyors
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against surveyors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-1022.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.