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.
Also called: Aerial Photograph Interpreter, Aerotriangulation Specialist, Field Surveyor, Geodesist, Geodetic Advisor, Geodetic Computator
Median pay
$75,440
Pay for the broader BLS group “Surveyors”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$46,880 – $125,590
People employed
50,830
Whole BLS group
Holland code
RIC
Realistic · Investigative · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 3.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 4.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
Geodetic Surveyors pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Surveyors”.
What geodetic surveyors do
- 01Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards.
- 02Conduct surveys to determine exact positions, measurement of points, elevations, lines, areas, volumes, contours, or other features of land surfaces.
- 03Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface.
- 04Maintain databases of geodetic and related information, including coordinate, descriptive, or quality assurance data.
- 05Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data.
- 06Compute horizontal and vertical coordinates of control networks, using direct leveling or other geodetic survey techniques, such as triangulation, trilateration, and traversing, to establish features of the Earth's surface.
Skills that matter most
- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Geography
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from geodetic surveyors
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians91% · —
- Remote Sensing Technicians88% · group pay
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians88% · —
- Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians86% · group pay
- Hydrologists86% · —
Change into geodetic surveyors
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Remote Sensing Technicians91% · $62,280
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians89% · $54,240
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians88% · $53,350
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists87% · $122,570
- Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians86% · $116,580
Majors that lead here
- Surveying Engineering
- Surveying Technology/Surveying
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.