Shigoto Zukan
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How to become surveyorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Architecture Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$75,440
25th–75th pct. $58,170–$98,130
Top pay (est.)
$163,300
Top 10% $125,590
Pay in 5 years
$87,100est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$100,500est.
$86,400–$116,700
Outlook score
55/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
56%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+5.8%
3,100 openings / yr

How to become surveyors

Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Internship/residency

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Surveyors

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
4.1
Mathematics
4.1
Writing
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Speaking
3.9
Active Listening
3.9
Coordination
3.6
Instructing
3.5

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mathematics
5.5
Computers and Electronics
5.0
Geography
5.0
Engineering and Technology
4.8
Education and Training
4.7
Design
4.6
Administration and Management
4.5
Customer and Personal Service
4.3

What the work involves

Processing InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsDocumenting/Recording InformationGetting Information

Important abilities

Number FacilityOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningInductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
47%
Some college
21%
High school diploma
16%
Associate's degree
11%
Post-secondary certificate
5%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
25%
None / short demo
20%
6–12 months
20%
3–6 months
15%
2–4 years
10%
1–2 years
5%
4–10 years
5%

Related work experience

4–6 years
25%
None
20%
1–2 years
20%
6–12 months
10%
6–8 years
10%
Over 10 years
5%
2–4 years
5%
8–10 years
5%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as surveyors

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.