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 numbers, measurements, formulas, quantitative reasoning, and mathematical concepts.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
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
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. PayThe median annual wage for surveyors was $75,440 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of surveyors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,100 openings for surveyors 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 surveyors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surveyors with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about surveyors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for surveyors was $75,440 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of surveyors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,100 openings for surveyors 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 surveyors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surveyors with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about surveyors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of surveyors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,100 openings for surveyors 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 surveyors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surveyors with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about surveyors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Surveyors make precise measurements to determine property boundaries.
Work Environment
Surveying involves both fieldwork and office work. When working outside, surveyors may stand for long periods and walk long distances, sometimes in bad weather. Most surveyors work full time.
How to Become a 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.
Pay
The median annual wage for surveyors was $75,440 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of surveyors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 3,100 openings for surveyors 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 surveyors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surveyors with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about surveyors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Surveying involves both fieldwork and office work. When working outside, surveyors may stand for long periods and walk long distances, sometimes in bad weather. Most surveyors work full time.
How to Become a 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.
Pay
The median annual wage for surveyors was $75,440 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of surveyors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 3,100 openings for surveyors 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 surveyors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surveyors with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about surveyors 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 surveyors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surveyors with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about surveyors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about surveyors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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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.