Surveying and mapping technicians
SOC Code: 17-3031Also known as:
Aerial Photograph Interpreter, Aerotriangulation Specialist, Assessment Technician, Ax Survey Worker, CAD Technician (Computer Aided Design Technician)
Median Annual Salary
$51,940
+4.5% growth (2024-2034)
8K
Openings/Year
59K
Current Jobs
What Surveying and mapping technicians Do
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.
💰 Salary
$51,940
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.5%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
8K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
59,400
Projected Employment (2034)
62,100
Related Careers
Computer occupations, all other
$108,970 •
+8.2% growth
Cartographers and photogrammetrists
$78,380 •
+6.4% growth
Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians
$48,390 •
+1.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Writing
Mathematics
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Operate and manage land-information computer systems, performing tasks such as storing data, making inquiries, and producing plots and reports.
- Compare survey computations with applicable standards to determine adequacy of data.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
Degree Programs for Surveying and mapping technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a surveying and mapping technicians:
Geographic Information Science and Cartography
3,577 degrees awarded •
247 colleges offer this program
Geography
3,315 degrees awarded •
289 colleges offer this program
Surveying Technology/Surveying
1,046 degrees awarded •
79 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Surveying and mapping technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become surveying and mapping technicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surveying and mapping technicians make?
The median annual salary for surveying and mapping technicians is $51,940.
What education do surveying and mapping technicians need?
Most surveying and mapping technicians positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Geographic Information Science and Cartography, Geography, Surveying Technology/Surveying.
Is becoming surveying and mapping technicians a good career choice?
Surveying and mapping technicians is projected to see +4.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 7,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for surveying and mapping technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring surveying and mapping technicians include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Florida, University of California-Santa Barbara, United States Military Academy, University of Southern California.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to surveying and mapping technicians?
Surveying and mapping technicians may also be known as: Aerial Photograph Interpreter, Aerotriangulation Specialist, Assessment Technician, Ax Survey Worker, CAD Technician (Computer Aided Design Technician), Cartographic Aide, Cartographic Drafter, Cartographic Technician, Cartography Technician, Chain Carrier, Chainman, Compass Operator, Drafting Technician, Draftsman, Engineering Assistant, Field Crew Member, Field Map Technician, Field Survey Technician, Field Technician (Field Tech), Geodetic Computator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.