Should I Become a Surveying?

A career in surveying is an exciting delve into the world of construction. As a Surveyor, you would play a crucial role in construction projects by measuring and mapping the lands. Your expertise would be instrumental in determining the boundaries of properties, the exact locations where buildings or roads should be constructed, the topography of the land, and much more. Using sophisticated technology and software, you'd collect data and use it to create maps, establish property lines, and assist in the design of construction projects.

Choosing a career in surveying within the construction industry offers an intriguing mix of indoor and outdoor work, offering an escape from the monotonous nine-to-five desk job. It's a chance to take on a hands-on role that literally shapes the world around us. Moreover, it is a growing field with a high demand for skilled professionals. The sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing a project progress from the planning stages to completion is incredibly rewarding. If you have an analytical mind, love problem-solving, and enjoy the idea of combining office work with fieldwork, then a career in surveying could be the perfect fit for you!

Common Interview Questions for a Surveying

What experience do you have in surveying for construction projects?

Can you describe a time when you had to adjust a project due to surveying results?

How familiar are you with using GPS technology for surveying?

What strategies do you use to accurately measure and map a construction site?

Can you discuss any experience you have working with engineers and architects in the planning stage of construction?

Salary for Surveying Jobs Nationwide

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireConstruction research efforts.
Get New Surveying Jobs Emailed to You Daily

What Does a Surveying Do?

Surveying, in the construction industry, is a critical role that involves the measurement and mapping of the environment using mathematics and specialized technology. As a Surveyor, your responsibilities would include planning and conducting surveys to identify land boundaries for site development, including highways, bridges, and buildings. You would be tasked with preparing site plans, recording accurate data, and presenting detailed reports. In essence, your work creates an accurate 'picture' of the land to aid architects, engineers, and construction teams in designing and building structures.

What sets surveying apart from other roles in construction is its blend of indoor and outdoor work, and its combination of physical activity and detail-oriented data analysis. While a General Contractor might oversee the whole project, or an Architect focuses on designing the structure, a Surveyor's role is to provide them the accurate land characteristics and layout. As a Surveyor, you are an essential part of the construction team, providing them the baseline information about the land they are working on. In this way, your work as a Surveyor sets the stage for the entire project and helps ensure its successful completion.

Surveying Qualifications & Career Path

Are you considering a career in surveying within the construction industry? That's fantastic! A Surveyor plays a critical role in construction projects, ensuring the accurate measurement and mapping of land and building sites. Essential skills for this role include a keen eye for detail, strong mathematical and analytical abilities, and proficiency in the use of surveying and mapping software. Proficiency in AutoCAD and GIS systems can be a real game-changer! Plus, you'll need excellent communication skills to effectively liaise with architects, engineers, and construction teams.

Before becoming a Surveyor, you might start out as a survey technician or a junior drafter to gain hands-on experience. You may also progress to roles such as a senior drafter or a geomatics technician, where your responsibilities and skill set will grow. These positions provide an excellent foundation for understanding the principles of surveying and mapping. In terms of education, a bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, or a related field is typically required. Furthermore, to become a licensed Surveyor, you'll need to pass the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam, gain sufficient work experience under a licensed Surveyor, and then pass the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam. Embarking on this career path is an opportunity to be an integral part of creating the built environment!

Other Career Titles

Here are some other career titles that require similar skills


Highest Education Level

Surveyings offer the following education background
Bachelor's Degree
33.6%
High School or GED
21.7%
Associate's Degree
16.8%
Vocational Degree or Certification
13.4%
Master's Degree
9.7%
Some College
3.1%
Some High School
0.8%
Doctorate Degree
0.8%