Geodetic Surveyors
Overview
Introduction
Geodetic surveyors make exact measurements and locations of elevations, points, lines, and contours on or near Earth's surface. They measure distances between points to determine property boundaries and to provide data for mapmaking, construction projects, and other engineering purposes. They use satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems, and other related sources for their measurements. There are approximately 49,200 surveyors employed in the United States.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Geodetic surveyors employed in the United States in January 2020 earned an average base salary of $68,947, as reported by SalaryExpert.com. Salaries ranged from $49,379 or less to $85,081 or more. In May 2018, surveyors earned a median annual salary of $62,580, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The middle 50 percent earned between $46,590 and $82,140 a year. The lowest paid 10 percent ...
Work Environment
Geodetic surveyors work full time, usually 40 hours per week. They may work longer hours on occasion to meet project deadlines. The summer months are the peak work period, with favorable weather conditions, but it is not uncommon for geodetic surveyors to be exposed to adverse conditions even when the weather is fine. They may conduct surveys in areas where they may be exposed to snakes, poison...
Outlook
The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment for surveyors who work for professional, scientific, and technical services firms will grow by 6 percent (about as fast as the average for all occupations) through 2028. Growth in the field will continue due to the increase in real estate sales and construction projections, and the demand for surveyors to help establish boundary lines in spe...
