Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $54,240/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$37,520$81,630

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: +4.5% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.

About 7,600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingWritingMathematicsActive ListeningMonitoringSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningCoordination

Top knowledge areas

Computers and ElectronicsGeographyMathematicsEnglish LanguageEngineering and TechnologyDesignCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministrative

Core tasks

• 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.

• Determine scales, line sizes, or colors to be used for hard copies of computerized maps, using plotters.

• Compile information necessary to stake projects for construction, using engineering plans.

• Identify and compile database information to create requested maps.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Surveying and Mapping Technicians?

The median pay for Surveying and Mapping Technicians is $54,240 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Surveying and Mapping Technicians?

Employment for Surveying and Mapping Technicians is projected to change +4.5% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Surveying and Mapping Technicians?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Surveying and Mapping Technicians?

About 7,600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.