Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Surveying and mapping technicians collect data and make maps of the Earth' surface.
Is surveying and mapping technicians a good career?
It scores 17/100 and ranks #435 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($54,240 vs $61,390)
What surveying and mapping technicians earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. surveying and mapping technicians earn between $45,430 and $66,700 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live surveying and mapping technicians jobs
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow faster than average through 2034.
Education
Surveying and mapping technicians typically need a high school diploma, but some employers prefer to hire candidates who have some additional education. Postsecondary training or experience in GIS technology also may be helpful.
High school students interested in working as a surveying or mapping technician should take classes in mathematics, such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. High school or postsecondary coursework in drafting, mechanical drawing, and computer science also may be useful.
Training
Surveying and mapping technicians often learn on the job under the supervision of lead staff, including surveyor or cartographers and photogrammetrists. For example, surveying technicians may begin with simple tasks, such as placing markers on land and entering data into computers, and eventually help with activities such as deciding where and how to measure the land. Mapping technicians receive instruction in how maps are created and stored in databases.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Optional certification may help surveying and mapping technicians demonstrate competency in a relevant specialty.
Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a valid driver’s license.
Advancement
Although licensing is not required for these workers, surveying technicians with many years of experience and formal training in surveying may be able to become licensed surveyors. Mapping technicians who have additional education or experience may be able to advance to cartography or photogrammetry positions.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Surveying and mapping technicians must be able to understand and follow instructions from other team members, such as when conducting fieldwork.
Decision-making skills. Surveying and mapping technicians must be able to exercise some independent judgment in the field or when selecting information to integrate into mapping and other materials.
Detail oriented. Surveying and mapping technicians must be precise and accurate in their work, such as when assisting with fieldwork or making calculations.
Physical stamina. Surveying and mapping technicians may work outdoors, often in rugged terrain. They must be able to carry equipment and to stand for much of the day.
Problem-solving skills. Surveying and mapping technicians must be able to identify and fix their equipment. They also must note potential problems with the day’s work plan.
Related occupations
How much do surveying and mapping technicians make?
The national median wage is $54,240 a year, with the middle half earning between $45,430 and $66,700 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is surveying and mapping technicians a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 17 of 100 and ranks #435 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +4.5% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a surveying and mapping technician?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.
Where do surveying and mapping technicians earn the most?
Among states, California pays the highest median ($78,110). Local pay for every state and metro is below.