Surveyors
Median wage · national
$75,440
Range: $58K – $98K
Employed
51K
Openings/yr
4K
Typically: bachelor's degree
STEM
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Surveying and Mapping Technicians earn $54,240 nationally at the median. The middle 50% of workers fall between $45,430 and $66,700. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and experience.
About 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.
- Median Wage
- $54,240
- Employed Nationally
- 58K
- Openings / Year
- 7,600
- Entry Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Zone
- Zone 3: Medium Preparation
Also known as:
Aerial Photograph Interpreter
Aerotriangulation Specialist
Assessment Technician
Ax Survey Worker
CAD Technician (Computer Aided Design Technician)
How Much Do Surveying and Mapping Technicians Make?
Surveying and Mapping Technicians earn $54,240 nationally, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $45,430 and $66,700. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.
$54,240
National Median (Annual)
Below average for bachelor's degree holders.
$45K–$67K
Middle 50% Range
25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.
Earnings Range
$45,430
Entry-level
$54,240
Median
$66,700
Experienced
What Do Surveying and Mapping Technicians Do?
O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Surveying and Mapping Technicians roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.
What You'll Do
- Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations.
- Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.
- Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.
- Monitor mapping work or the updating of maps to ensure accuracy, inclusion of new or changed information, or compliance with rules and regulations.
- Produce or update overlay maps to show information boundaries, water locations, or topographic features on various base maps or at different scales.
Core Skills Employers Look For
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Mathematics
Writing
Complex Problem Solving
Who Thrives Here
R
Realistic
Hands-on tasks, physical activity, or working with tools and real materials are central parts of the daily work here.
C
Conventional
Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.
I
Investigative
This career demands analytical thinking: researching problems, interpreting data, and applying logical reasoning to find practical solutions.
Where Do Surveying and Mapping Technicians Work?
What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.
Work Setting
Outdoor / Field
Significant time outdoors or in the field. Conditions vary by weather.
Physical Demands
Active
Physically demanding. Significant standing, moving, or manual tasks.
Stress Level
Moderate
Moderate pressure. Regular deadlines exist but are generally manageable with experience.
What Is the Job Outlook for Surveying and Mapping Technicians?
The BLS projects +4.5% employment change for Surveying and Mapping Technicians through 2034, roughly in line with the national average of +5%. About 7,600 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.
↗ +4.5%
10-Year Growth (2024–2034)
About as fast as average.
7,600
Annual Openings
New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.
58K
Currently Employed
Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.
Where the Jobs Are
The five states below employ the most Surveying and Mapping Technicians professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $54,240 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.
| # | State | Jobs | Median Wage | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 7,810 | $48,930 | -9.8% |
| 2 | Florida | 4,900 | $46,740 | -13.8% |
| 3 | North Carolina | 4,510 | $49,780 | -8.2% |
| 4 | California | 3,670 | $71,860 | +32.5% |
| 5 | Colorado | 2,440 | $58,370 | +7.6% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →
How to Get Here
Most Surveying and Mapping Technicians positions require a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify. The 2 programs below are the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.
Typical Entry Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone
Zone 3: Medium Preparation
A medium amount of preparation is required, often an associate degree, certificate program, or apprenticeship, plus some related experience.
Degree Programs That Lead Here
| # | Program | Graduates/yr | 4yr Median | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geography | 7,541 | $57,853 | 525 |
| 2 | Engineering-Related Tech | 1,144 | $74,842 | 122 |
Top Colleges for Aspiring Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.
| # | College | UCD Score | Net Price | Salary 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States Air Force Academy USAF Academy, CO | 96 | — | — |
| 2 | United States Military Academy West Point, NY | 96 | — | — |
| 3 | University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA | 93 | $12,548 | $82,511 |
| 4 | University of Florida Gainesville, FL | 93 | $6,541 | $71,588 |
| 5 | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Atlanta, GA | 91 | $12,116 | $102,772 |
| 6 | University of Chicago Chicago, IL | 91 | $14,860 | $91,885 |
Plan Your Path
Once you've sized up Surveying and Mapping Technicians, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if the degree that leads to Surveying and Mapping Technicians pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings graduates see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Surveying and Mapping Technicians Pros & Cons
The data on Surveying and Mapping Technicians shows 2 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are drawn from BLS wage data, employment projections, and IPEDS program completions.
PROS
- Steady job outlook The BLS projects +4.5% growth through 2034, keeping pace with the national average. Demand is stable and annual openings remain consistent.
- Accessible entry path The typical entry requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent, lower than many comparable-paying careers. This creates a shorter path from training to first paycheck.
CONS
- Modest median salary At $54,240 median, this career lags STEM and business fields. High-cost degree programs may be difficult to justify on salary alone.
Surveying and Mapping Technicians Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Surveying and Mapping Technicians professionals earn?
The national median annual wage for Surveying and Mapping Technicians is $54,240, below the national median, program ROI depends heavily on keeping tuition costs low. The middle 50% of earners fall between $45,430 and $66,700. Pay varies by employer size, industry sector, specialization, and geography. National figures are a starting point, not a guarantee.
Is Surveying and Mapping Technicians a good career?
Surveying and Mapping Technicians involves trade-offs worth understanding before committing. At $54,240 median, programs with high tuition are difficult to justify on salary return alone. Prioritize in-state public schools or employer-sponsored pathways. Job growth is projected at +4.5% through 2034. Genuine interest in the work, not just the salary, matters most here.
How do I become a Surveying and Mapping Technicians?
Most Surveying and Mapping Technicians positions require a high school diploma or equivalent as the minimum credential. a medium amount of preparation is required, often an associate degree, certificate program, or apprenticeship, plus some related experience. Programs like Geography are common starting points.
What is the job outlook for Surveying and Mapping Technicians?
The BLS projects +4.5% employment change for Surveying and Mapping Technicians through 2034, about as fast as average compared to all occupations. About 7,600 job openings per year are projected, including new positions and replacements for workers who retire or change careers. 58K people currently work in this occupation nationwide (BLS May 2024).
What skills do Surveying and Mapping Technicians professionals need?
O*NET data identifies the core skills employers consistently prioritize for Surveying and Mapping Technicians roles: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Mathematics, Writing, and Complex Problem Solving. These develop through formal education and hands-on work. Programs with internship or co-op requirements give you a meaningful head start on the ones that take time to build.
Related Findings
-
10 Six-Figure Careers That Do Not Need a Bachelor's Degree
Air traffic controllers earn more than the typical bachelor's-degree career, with an associate degree. The occupations that pay six figures without four years of college.
- No bachelor degree
- High paying careers
- Associate degree
- Trades
- Median wage
-
Does a Master's Degree Pay Off? Barely, on Average
Group every career by the degree it requires and master's-level jobs pay a median of about $91,000, statistically tied with bachelor's-level work. The premium hides in a few fields.
- Master's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Median wage
- Graduate school
- Career outcomes
-
Growing and Paying $80K Plus: The Careers That Do Both
Only 95 of 385 federal careers both pay a median above $80,000 and grow faster than the typical job. Here is the rare set that clears both bars.
- Career growth
- Median wage
- High-paying careers
- Job outlook
- Career change
Continue Exploring
Browse our full directory: every college, major, program, and career we track, all built from verified government data.
Colleges
Discover 3,811 verified US colleges and universities. Compare admissions, costs, outcomes, and earnings across every accredited institution nationwide.
Majors
Explore 38 fields of study spanning STEM, health, business, and the humanities. See earnings, top programs, and demand.
Programs
Browse 375 specific degree programs. See completion counts, earnings outcomes, and the colleges awarding the most graduates each year.
Careers
Look up 395 BLS occupations. Get median wages, growth projections, education requirements, and the majors leading to each career.