SOC 17-1022.01Bright outlook

    Geodetic Surveyors

    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
    Growth
    +5.8%
    Faster than average
    Openings a year
    3,100
    Typical education
    Bachelor's degree

    Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition

    Source: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections · figures for the broader BLS group "Surveyors"

    See the pathway

    Annual pay range

    Lowest 10% earn less than
    $46,880
    Median
    $75,440
    Highest 10% earn more than
    $125,590
    National wages for all workers in this occupation. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.

    50,830 people work in this occupation.

    In short

    Geodetic surveyors measure massive sections of the Earth's surface using advanced satellite, GNSS, and LIDAR technology. Belonging to the broader surveyors group, they earn a median annual pay of $75,440.

    Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.

    What geodetic surveyors do

    Job Zone 4: Considerable preparation

    Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.

    Most need a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.

    What the work is like

    Geodetic surveyors spend their days gathering, processing, and analyzing geographic data. Using satellite observations and light detection and ranging systems, they measure vast areas of the Earth. This role requires strong skills in mathematics, critical thinking, and complex problem solving to evaluate information and ensure it complies with established standards. These professionals must also be skilled in writing and active listening to communicate their findings to supervisors and peers.

    On the job, surveyors rely heavily on their knowledge of geography, engineering, physics, and computer electronics. They use computers to document information and solve technical problems. This career appeals to individuals with realistic interests who enjoy practical, hands-on tasks. Success in this field requires specific work styles, including high attention to detail, dependability, intellectual curiosity, and cautiousness. Surveyors must also show perseverance and self-confidence when making critical decisions about spatial data.

    How to get there

    Entering this career typically requires a bachelor's degree. Because this occupation is classified under considerable preparation, most candidates also need several years of experience in a related field before they can work independently. Students preparing for this career often major in surveying engineering or engineering-related technologies.

    Professional credentials can help candidates demonstrate their expertise. Available certifications include the Certified Lidar Technologist and the Certified UAS Technologist, both offered by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Additionally, candidates can pursue the Fundamentals of Surveying credential from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. Some states also list specific licensing requirements for individuals performing this type of work.

    Pay and outlook explained

    The median annual pay for geodetic surveyors is $75,440, though this figure represents the broader Bureau of Labor Statistics group for all surveyors. Within this group, the lowest 10% of earners make less than $46,880, while the highest 10% earn more than $125,590.

    There are 50,830 people employed in this field. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 5.8%, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 3,100 job openings each year.

    Interest profile

    Realistic (R) · strongest
    75 / 100
    Investigative (I)
    73 / 100
    Artistic (A)
    9 / 100
    Social (S)
    12 / 100
    Enterprising (E)
    10 / 100
    Conventional (C)
    72 / 100
    How strongly each interest area describes the work, from O*NET (scores rescaled to 0–100). The interest code lists the strongest areas in order.

    Interest code RIC. Compare it with yours

    What you'd do

    Working with Computers
    91
    Processing Information
    90
    Analyzing Data or Information
    87
    Getting Information
    87
    Documenting/Recording Information
    83
    Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
    81
    Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
    81
    Making Decisions and Solving Problems
    80
    Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
    75
    Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
    71
    Work activities rated by importance for this occupation, O*NET (0–100).

    Skills and strengths

    Skills

    • Mathematics
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Active Listening
    • Critical Thinking
    • Complex Problem Solving
    • Judgment and Decision Making
    • Writing
    • Active Learning
    • Monitoring
    • Speaking

    Knowledge

    • Mathematics
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Geography
    • Computers and Electronics
    • English Language
    • Physics
    • Education and Training
    • Design
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Law and Government

    Abilities

    • Flexibility of Closure
    • Inductive Reasoning
    • Information Ordering
    • Mathematical Reasoning
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Oral Expression
    • Written Comprehension
    • Written Expression
    • Deductive Reasoning
    • Near Vision

    Work styles

    • Attention to Detail
    • Dependability
    • Intellectual Curiosity
    • Integrity
    • Perseverance
    • Cautiousness
    • Achievement Orientation
    • Leadership Orientation
    • Self-Confidence
    • Innovation

    Also called

    Aerial Photograph Interpreter · Aerotriangulation Specialist · Field Surveyor · Geodesist · Geodetic Advisor · Geodetic Computator · Geodetic Coordinator · Geodetic Engineer · Geodetic Information Specialist · Geodetic Survey Director

    Career pathway

    From your interests to geodetic surveyors

    Interests that fit the work, the career, majors that lead there and colleges whose graduates in those majors earn the most. Hover or focus a step to follow one path.

    1. Interests

    2. This career

      • Geodetic Surveyors$75,440 median pay

    3. Majors

    4. Colleges

    College Scorecard program outcomes

    Colleges with strong outcomes

    Programs that lead to this career, ranked by what their graduates earn four years after finishing. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid.

    1. 1University of Florida logo
      University of Florida

      Gainesville, FL · Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $66,474
      4 yrs after
      $78,933
      Median debt
      Not reported

    Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard field-of-study data, 2025. Programs with few graduates are not listed.

    NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk

    Majors that lead here

    Related programs by four-digit CIP code. They are common routes in, not the only ones.

    CareerOneStop

    Certifications, licenses and pay by state

    What geodetic surveyors may need beyond a degree, where a license is required, and what the work pays in each state.

    Certifications

    Core certifications employers recognise for this work.

    Search all certifications on CareerOneStop

    Training

    Programs of study that prepare people for this work.

    • Surveying Engineering
    • Surveying Technology/Surveying

    Find training near you on CareerOneStop

    Licenses by state

    1 state lists a license for this work. Open your state for the license and the agency that issues it.

    • Alabama1 license

      • Licensed Land Surveyor

        Alabama State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors

    Check license requirements on CareerOneStop

    Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 9, 2026.

    Your plan

    Build my pathway plan

    Courses, majors, colleges, scholarships and a timeline for this career, built from your profile.

    Related careers

    Careers with similar work, interests or skills.

    All careers

    Questions about geodetic surveyors

    Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.

    What are some alternative job titles for geodetic surveyors?

    People in this profession are also called geodesists, geodetic engineers, field surveyors, or geodetic coordinators. Other common titles include aerial photograph interpreter, aerotriangulation specialist, and geodetic information specialist.

    What college majors are recommended for this career?

    Students interested in this field typically pursue degrees in surveying engineering. Another common major that leads to this career is engineering-related technologies.

    Are there specific certifications available for geodetic surveyors?

    Yes, professionals can earn credentials such as the Certified Lidar Technologist or the Certified UAS Technologist. They can also take the Fundamentals of Surveying exam to boost their qualifications.

    Sources and attribution

    Every figure on this page comes from these public datasets. Missing values are shown as not reported, never estimated.

    O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.

    Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 9, 2026.

    Page data updated November 5, 2026.