Geodetic Surveyors
Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.
About the profession
Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.
How to Get Started
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Career Match Test →Explore the Career Path section to see progression from junior to senior
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Jump to Learning Path →Video
Occupation on screen: Surveyors (O*NET 17-1022.00). The Department of Labor publishes one film per occupation family, and this is the film it lists for Geodetic Surveyors (17-1022.01), which is how Geodetic Surveyors is classified. Closed captions in English and Spanish. CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration)
Personality Fit
Based on the Geodetic Surveyors role, here are the RIASEC personality types that tend to thrive in this career. While these alignments are common, individual success depends on motivation, skill development, and finding the right work environment.
Realistic
Hands-on, practical, technical work
Artistic
Creative, expressive, original thinking
Enterprising
Leading, persuading, business
Not sure if these types match you? Take the full RIASEC assessment (4 min) to discover your personality profile and see how it aligns with hundreds of careers.
Career Path
Your career progression roadmap with salary growth at each level
Career Ladder
Junior Geodetic Surveyor → Associate Geodetic Surveyor → Senior Geodetic Surveyor → Lead Geodetic Surveyor
Where are you on this career path?
Click a level below to set your current position
Salary Growth
4
Levels
$110K
Top Salary
8+
Years
Learning Path
Skills you need to develop and courses to get there
🚀
Set your current level first
Go to the Career Path tab and select your current level to see your personalized learning plan.
Go to Career PathCareer levels
Timeline: 0-2 | Entry Level Base: $41,430 - $58,488/year With equity/bonuses: $45,573 - $70,186 Top markets (SF/NYC): $47,644 - $70,186 Execute core tasks using Mathematics under…
Skills used in this career
Click any skill to see how to learn it and what salary boost it gives
Day in Life
Junior vs Senior, daily schedule breakdown
9am, Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards.
Income Dynamics
Conservative and aggressive scenarios for 10–15 years
Year 1: Entry level $29,001 - $52,639 Year 2-3: Junior level $58,488 - $71,768 Year 4-6: Mid level $71,768 - $77,811 Year 7-10: Senior level $77,811 - $97,233 Year 10+:…
Is this for me?
15 questions, answer honestly
You find the craft of a Geodetic Surveyor genuinely interesting, not just a paycheck You enjoy working with Mathematics and Reading Comprehension You communicate clearly with…
💰 Salary Range
BLS OEWS, May 2023Half of U.S. workers in this occupation earn more than this, half earn less.
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Related Reading
Related Holland / RIASEC Types