# 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.

- Edition: Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/careers/geodetic-surveyors
- SOC code: 17-1022.01
- Career family: Architecture and engineering
- Median annual pay: $75,440 (10th percentile $46,880, 90th percentile $125,590)
- Projected growth: Faster than average, +5.8%
- Openings a year: 3,100
- Typical entry education: Bachelor's degree
- Bright outlook: yes
- Data years: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections
- Pay and outlook are for the broader BLS group "Surveyors".

## Interest profile (code RIC)

| Interest area | Score (0–100) |
| --- | ---: |
| Realistic (R) | 75 |
| Investigative (I) | 73 |
| Artistic (A) | 9 |
| Social (S) | 12 |
| Enterprising (E) | 10 |
| Conventional (C) | 72 |

## What you'd do

- Working with Computers (importance 91/100)
- Processing Information (importance 90/100)
- Analyzing Data or Information (importance 87/100)
- Getting Information (importance 87/100)
- Documenting/Recording Information (importance 83/100)
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (importance 81/100)
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (importance 81/100)
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems (importance 80/100)
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (importance 75/100)
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (importance 71/100)

## 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

## Also called

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

## Majors that lead here (NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk, 4-digit CIP)

- [Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/1511) (CIP 1511, 121 colleges)
- Surveying Engineering (CIP 1438, 25 colleges)

## Colleges with strong outcomes (College Scorecard, 2025)

| College | Program | Earnings 1 yr | Earnings 4 yrs | Median debt |
| --- | --- | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| [University of Florida](https://www.collegesref.com/college/university-of-florida-2910) | Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians | $66,474 | $78,933 | not reported |

## Related careers

- [Surveying and Mapping Technicians](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/surveying-and-mapping-technicians): $54,240 median pay
- [Surveyors](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/surveyors): $75,440 median pay
- [Cartographers and Photogrammetrists](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/cartographers-and-photogrammetrists): $81,390 median pay
- [Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/geological-technicians-except-hydrologic-technicians): $53,350 median pay
- [Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/geographic-information-systems-technologists-and-technicians): $116,580 median pay
- [Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/remote-sensing-scientists-and-technologists): $122,570 median pay

## Sources

- [O*NET Database](https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html), version 31.0 (CC BY 4.0)
- [BLS Employment Projections](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables.htm), version 2025-35, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm), version 2025, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk](https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/resources.aspx?y=56), version 2020, data year 2020 (Public domain (U.S. government work))

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.