Geodetic Surveyors
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed
Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.
Median pay: $75,440/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +4.4% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 3,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
What's the median pay for Geodetic Surveyors?
The median pay for Geodetic Surveyors is $75,440 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Geodetic Surveyors?
Employment for Geodetic Surveyors is projected to change +4.4% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Geodetic Surveyors?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Geodetic Surveyors?
About 3,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.