Surveyor: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What Does a Surveyor do?

A Surveyor is responsible for measuring and mapping land surfaces to determine boundaries and topographical features. They use advanced technology, including GPS, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and electronic distance and angle measuring equipment, to create precise descriptions of the earth’s surface for legal, engineering, and construction purposes.

Surveyors play a critical role in land development, from planning and design to the final construction of buildings, roads, and utilities. They also perform cadastral surveys to establish real estate boundaries, helping to resolve property disputes and inform land transactions.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Surveyors in the Engineering field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

• Conduct physical site surveys using a variety of equipment and tools.
• Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
• Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
• Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS).
• Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.
• Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.
• Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.

How to Become a Surveyor

Launching a career as a Surveyor requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Licensure as a professional surveyor, as required by the state.
• Experience with CAD software and surveying technology, including GPS and GIS.
• Understanding of algebra, trigonometry, and other mathematics for precise calculations.

Requirements & Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and precision.
• Excellent communication skills to explain findings clearly.
• Ability to work outdoors and physically navigate various terrains.
• Strong organizational skills to manage projects and maintain records.

Surveyor Salary Guide

Wondering what Surveyors earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

The average salary for a Surveyor in the U.S. is approximately $63,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Surveyors may receive a wide range of benefits.

Surveyor Salary Career Steps