Career comparison
Construction Laborer vs. Surveying Technician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Surveying technicians earn more at the median ($54,240 vs. $47,120), while construction laborers usually get to work faster (Days to weeks (on the job) of training). Construction laborers prepare sites, move materials, pour concrete and support every trade on the job. Surveying technicians collect measurements in the field and help surveyors map land.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Construction Laborer | Surveying Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $47,120 ($22.66/hr) | $54,240 ($26.08/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,090 – $78,090 | $37,520 – $81,630 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +7.3% (much faster than average) | +5.8% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 120,000 | 6,900 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Days to weeks (on the job) | 1–12 months |
| Key credential | OSHA 10-Hour Construction | NSPS Certified Survey Technician (CST) |
| Work setting | Laborers work outdoors in all kinds of weather on construction sites, roadways and demolition projects. | Technicians work outdoors in all terrain and weather, plus office time.. |
What each job does
Construction Laborer
- Prepare and clean job sites, removing debris and hazards
- Load, unload and move building materials
- Dig, backfill and compact trenches and foundations
- Mix, pour and spread concrete and asphalt
- Erect and dismantle scaffolding, barricades and forms
Surveying Technician
- Operate GPS and total stations
- Hold rods and prisms
- Set construction stakes
- Clear brush for sight lines
- Record field notes
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, working outdoors, and teamwork. They sit in different fields, skilled trades & construction and science, engineering & lab, but share transferable skills such as reliability and punctuality and attention to detail.
Which should you choose?
Choose construction laborer if…
- I like physical work and staying active all day
- I don’t mind getting dirty or working in bad weather
- I want to start working right away
Choose surveying technician if…
- I like working outdoors
- I enjoy technology
- I’m detail-oriented
Still torn? Take the Construction Laborer fit quiz and the Surveying Technician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, construction laborer or surveying technician?
Surveying Technicians earn more at the median: $54,240 versus $47,120 for construction laborers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Construction Laborers typically train faster (Days to weeks (on the job)) than surveying technicians (1–12 months).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects construction laborers to grow +7.3% from 2025–35, compared with +5.8% for surveying technicians.