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Surveying Technicians

Surveying technicians adjust and operate surveying instruments, such as the theodolite and electronic distance-measuring equipment, and compile notes, make sketches and enter data into computers.

demand
(through 2026)
moderate
time commitment
1-2 Years
average salary
$43330
job openings
(through 2026)
500+

what you’ll do

  • Search for section corners, property irons, and survey points.
  • Adjust and operate surveying instruments such as prisms, theodolites, and electronic distance-measuring equipment.
  • Conduct surveys to ascertain the locations of natural features and man-made structures on the Earth's surface, underground, and underwater, using electronic distance-measuring equipment and other surveying instruments.
  • Collect information needed to carry out new surveys, using source maps, previous survey data, photographs, computer records, and other relevant information.
  • Prepare topographic and contour maps of land surveyed, including site features and other relevant information, such as charts, drawings, and survey notes.

education & training required

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree.

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