Also called: Survey Technician (Marine), Multibeam Sonar Technician
Helps map the seafloor and harbors with sonar from survey boats.
A survey tech mounts sonar on a boat, runs survey lines across a harbor, and cleans up the data so charts show where ships can safely travel.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate degree in surveying or marine technology.
Ways in: 2-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Surveying Technology, Marine Technology.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 17-3031: Faster than average (5% to 6%).
Medium risk for 10 years. Uncrewed survey boats and auto-processing take on routine lines; techs still rig sonar and survey tricky harbors.
Classes: Geometry and Trigonometry, Computer applications, Earth science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-3031.
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