Geodetic Surveyors earn a median of $75,440 per year ($36.27/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 5.8% through 2035, with about 3,100 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
- SOC 17-1022
- Architecture and Engineering
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Geodetic Surveyor in four numbers
- Median pay
- $75,440a year, or $36.27/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $47KTop 10% $126K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +5.8%Faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+5.8%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +5.8% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 3,10052,000 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202552K
- Projected 203555K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 52K Projected 2035 55K - Typical education
- Bachelor'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school3.7%
- Some college3.7%
- Associate's3.7%
- Bachelor's81.5%
- Post-bacc certificate3.7%
- Master's3.7%
Highest education held by geodetic surveyors Segment Value High school 3.7% Some college 3.7% Associate's 3.7% Bachelor's 81.5% Post-bacc certificate 3.7% Master's 3.7%
Also advertised as: Geodesist, Geodetic Advisor, Geodetic Engineer, Geodetic Survey Director, Geodetic Surveyor, Land Surveyor.
Pay
How much do Geodetic Surveyors make?
Every geodetic surveyor in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$75,440
Middle half earn $58,170 to $98,130
- 10th
- $46,880
- 25th
- $58,170
- 75th
- $98,130
- 90th
- $125,590
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $46,880 |
| 25th | $58,170 |
| Median | $75,440 |
| 75th | $98,130 |
| 90th | $125,590 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $75,440
- Median hourly wage
- $36.27/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $80,570
- People employed
- 50,830
Versus all US occupations
At $75,440, Geodetic Surveyors earn 48% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $24,460 a year.
Versus architecture and engineering occupations
Inside the Architecture and Engineering group, where the middle occupation pays $104,110, this is 28% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $125,590 or more while the bottom 10% earn $46,880, a gap of 2.7×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 51% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
California posts the highest raw median ($105,330), but once local prices are taken into account Alaska leads at $97,256 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Geodetic Surveyors the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1California | $105,330 | $95,132 | 4,520 |
| 2Alaska | $99,550 | $97,256 | 250 |
| 3Oregon | $97,070 | $93,914 | 530 |
| 4Massachusetts | $94,590 | $89,441 | 1,290 |
| 5Washington | $85,610 | $80,000 | 780 |
| 6Montana | $84,610 | $89,397 | 350 |
| 7Minnesota | $83,620 | $84,789 | 980 |
| 8Maine | $83,200 | $85,729 | 270 |
| 9Delaware | $82,890 | $83,049 | 120 |
| 10Nevada | $82,460 | $82,477 | 490 |
Job outlook
Is Geodetic Surveyor a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Faster than average. +5.8% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Geodetic Surveyors | +5.8% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Faster than average
BLS projects employment of Geodetic Surveyors to change 5.8% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 3,000 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 3,100 openings are projected each year, 6.0% of the 52,000 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Surveyors will continue to be needed to certify boundary lines and review sites for construction. Employment demand also will be tied to projects such as road repair and mining activities. Although drones and other advancements make some aspects of survey work more efficient, surveyors will continue to be needed to review and interpret the output of these technologies to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Getting in
How to become a Geodetic Surveyor
Surveyors typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. They must be licensed before they can certify legal documents and provide surveying services to the public.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Bachelor's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Internship/residency
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Medium preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as geodetic surveyors.
- Bachelor's Degree81.5%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)3.7%
- Some College Courses3.7%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree3.7%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate3.7%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 81.5% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 3.7% |
| Some College Courses | 3.7% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 3.7% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 3.7% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
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.
Surveyors make precise measurements to determine property boundaries. They provide data relevant to features of the Earth’s surface, such as shape and contour, for engineering, mapmaking, construction, and other purposes.
Day-to-day tasks
- Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in technology, equipment, or systems.
- Review existing standards, controls, or equipment used, recommending changes or upgrades as needed.
- 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.
- Maintain databases of geodetic and related information, including coordinate, descriptive, or quality assurance 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.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most surveyors work full time. They may have longer workdays while doing fieldwork.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where geodetic surveyors work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Architectural, engineering, and related services71%
- Construction10%
- Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals9%
- Self-employed workers2%
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction1%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 71% |
| Construction | 10% |
| Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals | 9% |
| Self-employed workers | 2% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 1% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Mathematics4.1
- Reading Comprehension4.0
- Active Listening3.9
- Critical Thinking3.9
- Writing3.6
- Speaking3.4
- Active Learning3.4
- Monitoring3.4
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 4.1 |
| Reading Comprehension | 4.0 |
| Active Listening | 3.9 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.9 |
| Writing | 3.6 |
| Speaking | 3.4 |
| Active Learning | 3.4 |
| Monitoring | 3.4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Complex Problem Solving3.8
- Judgment and Decision Making3.6
- Systems Analysis3.1
- Systems Evaluation3.1
- Coordination3.0
- Instructing3.0
- Quality Control Analysis2.9
- Time Management2.9
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.8 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.6 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.1 |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.1 |
| Coordination | 3.0 |
| Instructing | 3.0 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 2.9 |
| Time Management | 2.9 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Geographic information system · in demand
- Object or component oriented development software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Web platform development software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Analytical or scientific software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Geodetic Surveyor?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Geodetic Surveyor |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 6 |
| Investigative | 5 |
| Artistic | 2 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 2 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data.
- Realistic5.5
- Investigative5.4
- Conventional5.3
- Social1.7
- Enterprising1.6
- Artistic1.5
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Geodetic Surveyor
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+3.6%Associate's - Computer and Mathematical
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More architecture and engineering careers
Median annual pay, with geodetic surveyors highlighted
- Aerospace Engineer$134,960
- Electrical Engineer$120,630
- Environmental Engineer$107,110
- Mechanical Engineer$104,110
- Automotive Engineer$104,110
- Industrial Engineer$102,440
- Civil Engineer$100,840
- Architect$99,280
- Geodetic Surveyor$75,440
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer | $134,960 |
| Electrical Engineer | $120,630 |
| Environmental Engineer | $107,110 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $104,110 |
| Automotive Engineer | $104,110 |
| Industrial Engineer | $102,440 |
| Civil Engineer | $100,840 |
| Architect | $99,280 |
| Geodetic Surveyor | $75,440 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Geodetic Surveyor appears on
Questions
Geodetic Surveyor: frequently asked questions
How much do Geodetic Surveyors make?
Geodetic Surveyors earn a median of $75,440 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 48% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $36.27/hr. The middle half earn between $58,170 and $98,130. The top 10% earn $125,590 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Geodetic Surveyor?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Geodetic Surveyors, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as medium preparation. BLS also lists internship/residency as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 81.5% hold bachelor's degree.
Is Geodetic Surveyor a growing career?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5.8% over 2025–2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 3,100 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Geodetic Surveyor do?
Surveyors make precise measurements to determine property boundaries. A core O*NET task: calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface. Employers most often ask for Computer aided design CAD software, Data base user interface and query software, Enterprise resource planning ERP software.
Which states pay Geodetic Surveyors the most?
The highest state medians for Geodetic Surveyors are California ($105,330), Alaska ($99,550), Oregon ($97,070) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Alaska moves to the top at $97,256.
What personality type suits a Geodetic Surveyor?
O*NET scores Geodetic Surveyors highest on the Realistic, Investigative and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.