Geodetic Surveyors
SOC code 17-1022 · O*NET-SOC 17-1022.01 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering
Geodetic Surveyors pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$75,440
a year
Hourly
$36.27
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$80,570
$38.73 per hour
Middle 50%
$58,170 – $98,130
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$46,880 – $125,590
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
50,830
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Surveyors”, not this job alone.
- 10th percentile
- $46,880
- $22.54/hr
- 25th percentile
- $58,170
- $27.97/hr
- Median percentile
- $75,440
- $36.27/hr
- 75th percentile
- $98,130
- $47.18/hr
- 90th percentile
- $125,590
- $60.38/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+4%
Growing faster than average
56,100
jobs in 2024
58,600
projected for 2034
About 2,500 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does a geodetic surveyor do?
Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards.
- Conduct surveys to determine exact positions, measurement of points, elevations, lines, areas, volumes, contours, or other features of land surfaces.
- Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface.
- Maintain databases of geodetic and related information, including coordinate, descriptive, or quality assurance data.
- Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data.
- Compute horizontal and vertical coordinates of control networks, using direct leveling or other geodetic survey techniques, such as triangulation, trilateration, and traversing, to establish features of the Earth's surface.
- Plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff, providing technical consultation as needed.
- Assess the quality of control data to determine the need for additional survey data for engineering, construction, or other projects.
How to become a geodetic surveyor
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 81% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree81%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)4%
- Some College Courses4%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%
Common questions
How much does a geodetic surveyor earn?
The national median is $75,440 a year. The full range runs from $46,880 at the 10th percentile to $125,590 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a geodetic surveyor without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is geodetic surveyor in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 4% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Mathematics4.1/5
- Reading Comprehension4.0/5
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Critical Thinking3.9/5
- Writing3.6/5
- Speaking3.4/5
- Active Learning3.4/5
- Monitoring3.4/5
Knowledge areas
- Mathematics4.8/5
- Engineering and Technology4.0/5
- Geography3.8/5
- Computers and Electronics3.8/5
- English Language3.7/5
- Physics3.5/5
- Education and Training3.2/5
- Design3.1/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.