Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.

$51,940
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+5% projected 2024โ€“2034
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Surveying and mapping technicians spend their days gathering precise measurements and data about the Earth's surface, working both outdoors at survey sites and indoors processing their findings. They operate specialized equipment like total stations, GPS receivers, and robotic instruments to collect detailed information about land features, boundaries, and elevations. In the field, they might stake out construction sites, verify property lines, or document topographical features, often working as part of a team led by a licensed surveyor or engineer. Back in the office, they use sophisticated software to create detailed maps and technical drawings from the data they've collected, whether from ground surveys, aerial photographs, or satellite imagery. They meticulously check their work for accuracy, update existing maps with new information, and maintain detailed records of all measurements and calculations.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Geography and Cartography(masters)Wilmington University, DE
$80,562
Engineering-Related Technologies(bachelors)California State University-Fresno, CA
$78,518
Geography and Cartography(masters)Johns Hopkins University, MD
$75,503
Geography and Cartography(masters)University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI
$74,365
Geography and Cartography(masters)California State University-Long Beach, CA
$73,531
Geography and Cartography(masters)University of Washington-Tacoma Campus, WA
$67,975
Geography and Cartography(masters)University of Washington-Seattle Campus, WA
$67,975
Geography and Cartography(masters)Portland State University, OR
$67,045
Geography and Cartography(masters)Central Michigan University, MI
$65,663
Geography and Cartography(masters)Christian Brothers University, TN
$65,663
Geography and Cartography(masters)Colorado State University-Fort Collins, CO
$65,663
Geography and Cartography(masters)Calvin University, MI
$65,663
Geography and Cartography(masters)Brigham Young University, UT
$65,663
Geography and Cartography(masters)Auburn University, AL
$65,663
Geography and Cartography(masters)CUNY Lehman College, NY
$65,663
Geography and Cartography(masters)California State University-Los Angeles, CA
$65,663
Geography and Cartography(masters)California State University-Fullerton, CA
$65,663
Geography and Cartography(masters)California State University-Northridge, CA
$65,663
Geography and Cartography(masters)Chicago State University, IL
$65,663
Geography and Cartography(masters)Binghamton University, NY
$65,663
Geography and Cartography(masters)California State University-East Bay, CA
$65,663
Geography and Cartography(masters)Ball State University, IN
$65,663
Geography and Cartography(masters)Central Connecticut State University, CT
$65,663
Geography and Cartography(masters)Boston University, MA
$65,663
Geography and Cartography(masters)Auburn University at Montgomery, AL
$65,663

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