Surveying and Mapping Technicians
O*NET 17-3031.00 · SOC 17-3031
Surveying and Mapping Technician is a solid career choice. Median pay is $54k a year with +5.8% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 6,900 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Operate total station instruments to collect field survey measurements.
- →Set up and level GPS survey equipment at field control points.
- →Record boundary and topographic data during land survey fieldwork.
- →Process raw survey data using CAD and GIS software.
- →Place survey stakes and markers at calculated boundary positions.
Education & How to Get In
Most Surveying and Mapping Technician positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Surveying and Mapping Technician involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Surveying and Mapping Technician?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Surveying and Mapping Technician Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Surveying and Mapping Technicians is projected to grow 5.8% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·45% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·35% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Surveying and Mapping Technician make?
The median Surveying and Mapping Technician earns $54k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Surveying and Mapping Technician jobs?
Our model puts Surveying and Mapping Technician at 49 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 45% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 35% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Surveying and Mapping Technician a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 5.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 6,900 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Surveying and Mapping Technician?
Most Surveying and Mapping Technician roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Surveying and Mapping Technician?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Surveying and Mapping Technician career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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