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Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Summary
What They Do
Work Environment
How to Become One
Pay
Job Outlook
State & Area Data
Similar Occupations
More Info

Summary

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Quick Facts: Surveying and Mapping Technicians
2018 Median Pay	$44,380 per year $21.34 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education	High school diploma or equivalent
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	Moderate-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2018	56,800
Job Outlook, 2018-28	5% (As fast as average)
Employment Change, 2018-28	3,100

What Surveying and Mapping Technicians Do

Surveying and mapping technicians collect data and make maps of the Earth's surface.

Work Environment

Surveying technicians work outside extensively and can be exposed to all types of weather. Mapping technicians work primarily indoors on computers. Most surveying and mapping technicians work for firms that provide engineering, surveying, and mapping services on a contract basis. Local governments also employ these workers in highway and planning departments.

How to Become a Surveying or Mapping Technician

Surveying technicians usually need a high school diploma. However, mapping technicians often need formal education after high school to study technology applications, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Pay

The median annual wage for surveying and mapping technicians was $44,380 in May 2018.

Job Outlook

Employment of surveying and mapping technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Increased demand for the data from mapping technology requires additional technicians to gather the information.

State & Area Data

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for surveying and mapping technicians.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surveying and mapping technicians with similar occupations.

More Information, Including Links to O*NET

Learn more about surveying and mapping technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

What Surveying and Mapping Technicians Do About this section

Surveying technicians operate surveying instruments, such as electronic distance-measuring equipment.

Surveying and mapping technicians collect data and make maps of the Earth’s surface. Surveying technicians visit sites to take measurements of the land. Mapping technicians use geographic data to create maps. They both assist surveyors, and cartographers and photogrammetrists.

Duties

Surveying technicians typically do the following:

Visit sites to record survey measurements and other descriptive data
Operate surveying instruments, such as electronic distance-measuring equipment (robotic total stations), to collect data on a location
Set out stakes and marks to conduct a survey
Search for previous survey points, such as old stone markers
Enter the data from surveying instruments into computers, either in the field or in an office

Surveying technicians help surveyors in the field on teams known as survey parties. A typical survey party has a party chief and one or more surveying technicians. The party chief, either a surveyor or a senior surveying technician, leads day-to-day work activities. After data is collected by the survey party, surveying technicians help process the data by entering the data into computers.

Mapping technicians typically do the following:

Select needed information from databases to create maps
Edit and process images that have been collected in the field
Produce maps showing boundaries, water locations, elevation, and other features of the terrain
Update maps to ensure accuracy
Assist photogrammetrists by laying out aerial photographs in sequence to identify areas not captured by aerial photography

Mapping technicians help cartographers and photogrammetrists produce and update maps. They do this work on computers, combining data from different sources. Mapping technicians may use drones to take photos and collect other information required to complete maps or surveys.

Geographic Information System (GIS) technicians use GIS technology to assemble, integrate, and display data about a particular location in a digital format. GIS technicians also maintain and update databases for GIS devices.

Work Environment About this section

Surveying technicians visit sites to take measurements of the land.

Surveying and mapping technicians held about 56,800 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of surveying and mapping technicians were as follows:

Architectural, engineering, and related services	61%
Local government, excluding education and hospitals	11
Self-employed workers	5
Utilities	4
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction	1

Most surveying and mapping technicians work for firms that provide engineering, surveying, and mapping services on a contractual basis. Local governments also employ these workers in highway and planning departments.

Surveying technicians work outside extensively and can be exposed to all types of weather. They often stand for long periods, walk considerable distances, and may have to climb hills with heavy packs of surveying instruments. Traveling is sometimes part of the job, and surveying technicians may commute long distances, stay away from home overnight, or temporarily relocate near a survey site.

Mapping technicians work primarily on computers in office environments. However, mapping technicians must sometimes conduct research by using resources such as survey maps and legal documents to verify property lines and to obtain information needed for mapping. This task may require traveling to storage sites, such as county courthouses or lawyers’ offices, that house these legal documents.

Work Schedules

Surveying and mapping technicians typically work full time but may work additional hours during the summer, when weather and light conditions are most suitable for fieldwork. Construction-related work may be limited during times of harsh weather.

Mapping technicians who develop and maintain Geographic Information System (GIS) databases generally work normal business hours.

How to Become a Surveying or Mapping Technician About this section

Learning to master the equipment is a big part of the training for surveying and mapping technicians.

Education

Surveying technicians generally need a high school diploma, but some have postsecondary training in survey technology. Postsecondary training is more common among mapping technicians where an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as geomatics, is beneficial.

High school students interested in working as a surveying or mapping technician should take courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, drafting, mechanical drawing, and computer science. Knowledge of these subjects may help in finding a job and in advancing.

Training

Surveying technicians learn their job duties under the supervision of a surveyor or a surveying party chief. Initially, surveying technicians handle simple tasks, such as placing markers on land and entering data into computers. With experience, they help decide where and how to measure the land.

Mapping technicians receive on-the-job training under the supervision of a lead mapper. During training, technicians learn how maps are created and stored in databases.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

The growing need to make sure that data are useful to other professionals has caused certification to become more common. The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) offers certification for photogrammetry, remote-sensing, and Geographic Information/Land Information Systems (GIS/LIS). The National Society of Professional Surveyors offers the Certified Survey Technician credential, and the GIS Certification Institute offers a GIS Professional certification.

Advancement

Depending on state licensing requirements, surveying technicians with many years of experience and formal training in surveying may be able to become licensed surveyors.

Important Qualities

Decisionmaking skills. Surveying technicians must be able to exercise some independent judgment in the field because they may not always be able to communicate with team members.

Detail oriented. Surveying and mapping technicians must be precise and accurate in their work. Their results are often entered into legal records.

Listening skills. Surveying technicians work outdoors and must communicate with party chiefs and other team members across distances. Following spoken instructions from the party chief is crucial for saving time and preventing errors.

Physical stamina. Surveying technicians usually work outdoors, often in rugged terrain. Physical fitness is necessary to carry equipment and to stand most of the day.

Problem-solving skills. Surveying and mapping technicians must be able to identify and fix problems with their equipment. They must also note potential problems with the day’s work plan.

Pay About this section

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Median annual wages, May 2018

Drafters, engineering technicians, and mapping technicians: $56,820
Surveying and mapping technicians: $44,380
Total, all occupations: $38,640

The median annual wage for surveying and mapping technicians was $44,380 in May 2018. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,360, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,110.

In May 2018, the median annual wages for surveying and mapping technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Utilities	$61,780
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction	57,130
Local government, excluding education and hospitals	50,620
Architectural, engineering, and related services	40,620

Surveying and mapping technicians typically work regular schedules but may work additional hours during the summer, when weather and light are most suitable for fieldwork. Construction-related work may be limited during times of harsh weather.

Mapping technicians who develop and maintain Geographic Information System (GIS) databases generally work normal business hours.

Job Outlook About this section

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Percent change in employment, projected 2018-28

Surveying and mapping technicians: 5%
Total, all occupations: 5%
Drafters, engineering technicians, and mapping technicians: 2%

Employment of surveying and mapping technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Increased demand for mapping technology is expected to require additional technicians to gather and prepare the data.

Job Prospects

Demand for surveying services is closely tied to construction activity, and job opportunities will vary by geographic region, often depending on local economic conditions. When real estate sales and construction activity slow down, surveying technicians may face greater competition for jobs. However, because surveying technicians can work on many different types of projects, they may have steadier work than others when construction slows.

Employment projections data for surveying and mapping technicians, 2018-28
Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2018	Projected Employment, 2028	Change, 2018-28		Employment by Industry
Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2018	Projected Employment, 2028	Percent	Numeric	Employment by Industry
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Surveying and mapping technicians	17-3031	56,800	59,900	5	3,100	Get data

State & Area Data About this section

Occupational Employment Statistics (OES)

The Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Surveying and mapping technicians

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of surveying and mapping technicians.

Occupation	Job Duties	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2018 MEDIAN PAY
Architects	Architects plan and design houses, factories, office buildings, and other structures.	Bachelor's degree	$79,380
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists	Cartographers and photogrammetrists collect, measure, and interpret geographic information in order to create and update maps and charts for regional planning, education, and other purposes.	Bachelor's degree	$64,430
Drafters	Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings.	Associate's degree	$55,550
Landscape Architects	Landscape architects design parks and other outdoor spaces.	Bachelor's degree	$68,230
Surveyors	Surveyors make precise measurements to determine property boundaries.	Bachelor's degree	$62,580
Civil Engineering Technicians	Civil engineering technicians help civil engineers to plan, design, and build highways, bridges, and other infrastructure projects for commercial, industrial, residential, and land development projects.	Associate's degree	$52,580
Construction and Building Inspectors	Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.	High school diploma or equivalent	$59,700
Geological and Petroleum Technicians	Geological and petroleum technicians provide support to scientists and engineers in exploring and extracting natural resources.	Associate's degree	$53,300
Geographers	Geographers study the Earth and the distribution of its land, features, and inhabitants.	Bachelor's degree	$80,300

Contacts for More Information About this section

For more information on certification in GIS, visit

GIS Certification Institute

For more information about career opportunities and the surveying technician certification program, visit

National Society of Professional Surveyors

For more information about photogrammetric technicians and Geographic Information System specialists, visit

American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

O*NET

Mapping Technicians

Surveying Technicians

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Suggested citation:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Surveying and Mapping Technicians,
on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/surveying-and-mapping-technicians.htm (visited October 07, 2019).

Last Modified Date: Wednesday, September 4, 2019

What They Do

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Work Environment

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State & Area Data

The State and Area Data tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.

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2018 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics survey. In May 2018, the median annual wage for all workers was $38,640.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

Work experience in a related occupation

Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.