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Tech & EngineeringGrowingBright Outlook

Geodetic Surveyor

Mid-level

Also known as: Aerial Photograph Interpreter, Aerotriangulation Specialist, Field Surveyor, Geodesist

Tech & EngineeringBachelor's Degree

Job Description

You'll measure the Earth's surface using advanced tools like satellites, global navigation systems (GNSS), and LIDAR. This involves precise data collection and analysis, often communicating your findings via email and face-to-face discussions with teams. You need strong math skills and critical thinking to ensure exact accuracy in your work, with opportunities to make key decisions. This role suits someone who enjoys technical challenges and detailed, accurate measurements of the world around us.
GeodesySurveyingGeospatial TechnologyRemote SensingEngineeringTechnologyGeographySTEMTechnical

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Amazon Web Services AWS softwareAutodesk AutoCADBentley MicroStationC#C++ESRI ArcGIS softwareHypertext markup language HTMLLinuxMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordOracle JavaSAP softwareStructured query language SQL

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+5.8%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

3,100

per year (US)

Jobs today

52,000

in 2025 → 55,000 (2035)

Typical entry education

Bachelor's degree

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
Moderate
Time spent sitting
Moderate
Working outdoors
High
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
Moderate
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

The job outlook for Geodetic Surveyors is growing, with about 3,100 openings each year and a projected 5.8% increase in employment through 2035. This career offers rapid growth potential, and professionals can earn a median annual wage of $75,440. You could move into roles like Geospatial Project Manager or specialize as an Advanced Remote Sensing Specialist.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Surveying Technician
  • GIS Assistant
  • Cartographer

Where it can lead

  • Geospatial Project Manager
  • Geomatics Consultant
  • Advanced Remote Sensing Specialist

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly automate data collection and initial processing for geodetic surveyors, handling vast amounts of satellite imagery, lidar, and photogrammetry data with greater speed and accuracy. This will elevate their role to focus on advanced data analysis, quality control, and developing predictive models for ground deformation and infrastructure monitoring. Consequently, surveyors will need to acquire skills in AI tools and data science to leverage these capabilities, moving towards higher-value, consultative work.

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Salary

$75,440

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

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