Science, Engineering & Lab career

Surveyor

Also called: Land Surveyor · Professional Land Surveyor · Geodetic Surveyor · Boundary Surveyor

What surveyors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a surveyor do?

Surveyors make precise measurements to determine property boundaries and provide data for engineering, mapping and construction projects. The median pay is $75,440 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years + experience, and employment is projected to grow +5.8% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $75,440
    $36.27/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +5.8%
    2025–35, faster than average
  • Openings per year
    3,100
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Bachelor's degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    4 years + experience
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    52,000
    Employment, 2025

What surveyors do

Surveyors define where things are. They research deeds and records, measure land with GPS and total stations, set boundary markers, prepare plats and legal descriptions, stake out construction, and testify about boundary disputes. Licensed surveyors sign and seal official surveys.

Most surveyors have a bachelor’s degree in surveying or geomatics, gain experience under a licensed surveyor and pass exams to earn a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license. Many surveyors are nearing retirement, creating opportunities.

Typical duties

  • Research deeds and records
  • Measure land with GPS and total stations
  • Set boundary markers
  • Prepare plats and legal descriptions
  • Stake out construction
  • Lead survey crews
  • Testify in boundary disputes

Work environment and schedule

Surveyors split time between field work in all terrain and weather and office work.

Schedule: Most work full-time, with long days in good weather.

A day in the life

  1. Review deeds for a boundary survey.
  2. Drive to the site with the crew.
  3. Search for old property corners.
  4. Measure with GPS and a total station.

See a full day in the life of a surveyor →

Surveyor salary

Half of surveyors earned more than $75,440 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $46,880 for the lowest 10% to $125,590 for the top 10%.

Full surveyor pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a surveyor

  1. Study math and geomatics
  2. Pass the FS exam
  3. Gain experience
  4. Pass the PS exam
  5. Advance

A bachelor’s degree in surveying or geomatics is typical, plus experience and a state license.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a surveyor →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Boundary law
  • GPS and total stations
  • CAD
  • Deed research
  • Geodesy

People skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Integrity

All surveyor skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Licensed professional career
  • Outdoor and office mix
  • Retirements create openings
  • Technology-driven

Cons

  • Weather and terrain
  • Licensing takes years
  • Legal liability
  • Travel

Certifications and licenses

  • Professional Land Surveyor (PLS): State license.
  • Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam: First licensing exam.
  • Surveyor in Training (SIT): After passing the FS.
  • FAA Part 107: Drone pilot certificate.

Career path

  1. Survey Technician: Field and office.
  2. Party Chief: Lead crews.
  3. Licensed Surveyor: Sign surveys.
  4. Firm Owner or Principal: Lead firms.

Learn the job before day one

Our Surveyor training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as search for a property corner and run a closed traverse, safety and how to land your first job.

View Surveyor trainingIs this career right for me?

Surveying Technician

Collect measurements in the field and help surveyors map land.

  • $54,240
  • 1–12 months

Civil Engineer

Design and build roads, bridges, water systems and the infrastructure we rely on.

  • $100,840
  • 4 years + PE path

CAD Drafter

Turn engineers’ and architects’ designs into detailed technical drawings.

  • $66,150
  • 1–2 years

Landscape Architect

Design parks, campuses and outdoor spaces that work for people and nature.

  • $79,870
  • 4–5 years + experience

Compare: Surveyor vs. Surveying Technician · Surveyor vs. Civil Engineer · Surveyor vs. CAD Drafter · Surveyor vs. Landscape Architect

Surveyor FAQ

Do surveyors need a license?

Yes, to sign official surveys.

Do surveyors need a degree?

Most states require a degree or long experience.

Is surveying growing?

Retirements are creating openings.

How much does a surveyor make?

The median annual wage for surveyors was $75,440 ($36.27 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $46,880 and the highest 10% earned more than $125,590.

How long does it take to become a surveyor?

Most people need about 4 years + experience of training. A bachelor’s degree in surveying or geomatics is typical, plus experience and a state license.

Do you need a degree to be a surveyor?

Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.

More surveyor questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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