Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Surveying and mapping technicians typically need a high school diploma. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have additional education or have experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or other technology. PayThe median annual wage for surveying and mapping technicians was $54,240 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of surveying and mapping technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 6,900 openings for surveying and mapping technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for surveying and mapping technicians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surveying and mapping technicians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about surveying and mapping technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for surveying and mapping technicians was $54,240 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of surveying and mapping technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 6,900 openings for surveying and mapping technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for surveying and mapping technicians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surveying and mapping technicians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about surveying and mapping technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of surveying and mapping technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 6,900 openings for surveying and mapping technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for surveying and mapping technicians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surveying and mapping technicians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about surveying and mapping technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Surveying and mapping technicians collect data and make maps of the Earth's surface.
Work Environment
Although they spend some time in an office setting, surveying and mapping technicians may work outdoors in all types of weather to conduct fieldwork. Most surveying and mapping technicians work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Surveying or Mapping Technician
Surveying and mapping technicians typically need a high school diploma. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have additional education or have experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or other technology.
Pay
The median annual wage for surveying and mapping technicians was $54,240 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of surveying and mapping technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 6,900 openings for surveying and mapping technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for surveying and mapping technicians.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surveying and mapping technicians with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about surveying and mapping technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Although they spend some time in an office setting, surveying and mapping technicians may work outdoors in all types of weather to conduct fieldwork. Most surveying and mapping technicians work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Surveying or Mapping Technician
Surveying and mapping technicians typically need a high school diploma. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have additional education or have experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or other technology.
Pay
The median annual wage for surveying and mapping technicians was $54,240 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of surveying and mapping technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 6,900 openings for surveying and mapping technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for surveying and mapping technicians.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surveying and mapping technicians with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about surveying and mapping technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for surveying and mapping technicians.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surveying and mapping technicians with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about surveying and mapping technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about surveying and mapping technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Explore Training Options
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.