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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Geodetic Surveyors

Median Salary
68,540
Job Outlook
0%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.

What is the job outlook?

Employment of surveyors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 4,000 openings for surveyors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$39,640

10%

$68,540

Median

$102,650

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    81%

  • High school

    3%

  • Some college

    3%

  • Master's degree

    3%

  • Associate's degree

    3%

  • Post baccalaureate

    3%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Surveying Technology/Surveying
  • Surveying Engineering

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Mathematics
  • Geography
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Education and Training

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.