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All About Surveying Technicians

Example of Surveying Technician Job Adjust and operate surveying instruments, such as the theodolite and electronic distance-measuring equipment, and compile notes, make sketches and enter data into computers.

Life As a Surveying Technician

Direct and supervise work of subordinate members of surveying parties.
Search for section corners, property irons, and survey points.
Conduct surveys to ascertain the locations of natural features and man-made structures on the Earth’s surface, underground, and underwater, using electronic distance-measuring equipment and other surveying instruments.
Collect information needed to carry out new surveys, using source maps, previous survey data, photographs, computer records, and other relevant information.
Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations.
Provide assistance in the development of methods and procedures for conducting field surveys.

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Skills Needed to be a Surveying Technician

Below is a list of the skills most Surveying Technicians say are important on the job.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Survey Field Technician
Transit Man
Instrument Operator
Survey Instrument Person
Surveyor Rod Helper

Job Opportunities for Surveying Technicians

In the United States, there were 60,200 jobs for Surveying Technician in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 6,400 new jobs for Surveying Technician by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 7,200 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Surveying Technician are North Dakota, Utah, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Washington. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does a Surveying Technician Make?

The typical yearly salary for Surveying Technicians is somewhere between $27,360 and $74,110.

Surveying Technicians who work in California, Alaska, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.

How much do Surveying Technicians make in different U.S. states?

State	Annual Mean Salary
Alabama	$42,850
Alaska	$59,850
Arizona	$53,730
Arkansas	$43,000
California	$69,910
Colorado	$52,360
Connecticut	$58,360
Delaware	$42,010
Florida	$40,900
Georgia	$42,180
Hawaii	$48,300
Idaho	$45,090
Illinois	$55,410
Indiana	$41,030
Iowa	$48,590
Kansas	$43,350
Kentucky	$38,960
Louisiana	$44,540
Maine	$43,640
Maryland	$49,820
Massachusetts	$59,320
Michigan	$38,070
Minnesota	$55,170
Mississippi	$43,030
Missouri	$42,560
Montana	$49,120
Nebraska	$45,530
Nevada	$51,400
New Hampshire	$48,300
New Jersey	$49,800
New Mexico	$47,440
New York	$52,470
North Carolina	$43,800
North Dakota	$51,200
Ohio	$44,280
Oklahoma	$45,870
Oregon	$54,570
Pennsylvania	$47,600
Rhode Island	$53,980
South Carolina	$38,250
South Dakota	$39,180
Tennessee	$46,020
Texas	$42,740
Utah	$51,090
Vermont	$51,840
Virginia	$47,570
Washington	$51,100
West Virginia	$42,750
Wisconsin	$43,500
Wyoming	$47,870

What Tools & Technology do Surveying Technicians Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Surveying Technicians may use on a daily basis:

Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Office
Microsoft PowerPoint
Web browser software
Microsoft Access
Email software
Word processing software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Spreadsheet software
Database software
Geographic information system GIS software
Computer aided design CAD software
Bentley MicroStation
ESRI ArcView
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
ESRI ArcInfo
Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
ESRI ArcGIS software

How do I Become a Surveying Technician?

Individuals working as a Surveying Technician have obtained the following education levels:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Those who work as a Surveying Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Mike1979 Russia via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

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