📱 Install Findmino as an app for the best experience!

Which studies lead to becoming a Surveying and Mapping Technician?

Back to all jobs
Tech & EngineeringGrowingBright Outlook

Surveying and Mapping Technician

Operational-level

Also known as: Aerial Photograph Interpreter, Aerotriangulation Specialist, Assessment Technician, Ax Survey Worker

Tech & EngineeringBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.
Land SurveyingCartographyGeospatial TechnologyGISPhotogrammetryEngineeringData AnalysisAnalysisTechnicalSTEM

A Day in the Life

You arrive at the engineering firm's office in downtown Phoenix just after 7:00 AM. Your first task is to check emails and review the day's job assignments on the digital project board. Today, you'll start with a boundary survey for a new commercial development. You gather your gear: a Trimble R10 GPS receiver, a field controller, a range pole, and extra batteries. A quick glance at the plans for the site confirms the specific points you'll need to locate.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

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

Hot technologies
Adobe IllustratorAdobe PhotoshopAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DBentley MicroStationESRI ArcGIS softwareHypertext markup language HTMLJavaScriptMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft Visual Basic for Applications VBAMicrosoft WordPythonStructured query language SQL
In-demand software
Autodesk AutoCADAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DBentley MicroStationESRI ArcGIS softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Outlook

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

6,900

per year (US)

Jobs today

58,800

in 2025 → 62,200 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

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
Moderate
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
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 outlook for Surveying and Mapping Technicians is growing, with about 6,900 job openings expected each year through 2035. This field is projected to see rapid growth. You can earn a median annual wage of around $54,240. With experience, you can advance to roles with more responsibility, such as becoming a fully licensed surveyor or a specialized cartographer.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Surveying Assistant
  • Cartography Assistant
  • GIS Data Entry Clerk

Where it can lead

  • Land Surveyor
  • Cartographer
  • GIS Specialist

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly automate routine tasks for Surveying and Mapping Technicians, such as data processing, feature extraction from imagery, and quality control, leading to increased efficiency and accuracy. This shift will require technicians to adapt, focusing more on managing AI tools, validating automated outputs, and specializing in complex analysis and interpretation rather than manual data manipulation.

Similar Jobs

Electrical and Electronics Repairer, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Operational-level

Telecommunications Engineering Specialist

Operational-level

Mechanical Door Repairer

Operational-level

Rigger

Operational-level

Salary

$54,240

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Surveying Engineering

Bachelor • Tech & Engineering • 4 years

Mining Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Electrician

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years

Electrical Engineering

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years

Current Vacancies

IndeedLinkedIn