Surveying Technician

Helps surveyors collect measurements in the field and process the data.

A day in the life

You carry the GPS rod through a field, record points, and back at the office turn them into a drawing.

Pay over a career

Starting
$36k
Typical
$50k
High
$72k

Training

Associate's degree (2-year), about 1 year after high school. Certificate or associate in surveying technology, or on-the-job training.

Ways in: 2-year college, On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.

Majors to look at: Surveying Technology.

Outlook

Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years). BLS projection.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Robotic total stations, drones and auto-processing need fewer techs per job; field skills plus software keep you employable.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Geometry, Drafting CTE class, Computer applications.

Official data: O*NET occupation 17-3031.

More Surveying, Mapping & Geospatial careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.