Find an old survey marker
Use past survey records to locate a marker from an earlier job before any new measuring begins.
Career profile
Surveying and Mapping Technician
Surveying and mapping technicians measure land features, then turn that field data into usable maps.
Somebody has to tie each real place to the point that stands for it on screen, then confirm the two actually match.
A day in the life
Measure distance to a target
Set up and adjust the electronic distance meter, sight the target, and save readings to the data collector.
Put field readings on a map
Load the readings into geographic information system (GIS) software to map each place with written details.
Fix a map error
When a map feature looks off, check it against field records or aerial photos, then fix the mistake.
Quick facts
High school + job training
United States · 2025–2035
$54,240/year
United States · May 2025
5.8% projected growth
United States · 2025–2035
Quick orientation
Preparation, pay & outlook
Preparation
High school + job trainingA diploma or equivalent is typical; equipment and mapping skills develop through on-the-job training.
Pay
$54,240/yearNational median: $26.08/hour.
Outlook
5.8% projected growthAbout 6,900 openings annually, averaged across the projection period.
Fit, tradeoffs & changing tools
You might like this if…
- You enjoy turning measurements into a picture of a place.
- You keep notes someone else can follow.
- You are willing to check a result that looks almost right.
Things to weigh
- Field jobs can mean rough terrain, heavy equipment, and travel.
- Office mapping can mean long stretches at a computer, checking records and making small edits.
Where AI may help
Drones can collect images; mapping software helps turn measurements into maps.
What people still lead
You still check whether the output is accurate and complete.
What we can’t predict yet
How much collection and checking becomes automatic will vary with the tools and the project.
Pay in context
Earnings
The median is a midpoint, not an entry offer.
The national spread
The lowest-paid 10% earned under $37,520; the highest-paid 10% earned over $81,630. These are not beginner and senior pay bands.
Workplace matters
Annual medians were $77,310 in utilities and $50,340 in architectural, engineering, and related services. These describe different workforces, not guaranteed offers.
Openings include replacements
The projected 6,900 annual openings include workers leaving the occupation, as well as growth. They are not current vacancies.
Getting started
Learn in a technician job
- What the route involves
- Start with markers and data entry, learning from a surveyor or other lead staff.
- What it can lead to
- You build competence with surveying equipment or map databases.
Study surveying and mapping
- What the route involves
- An associate-degree program such as Cincinnati State's combines surveying practice, mapping, and satellite positioning technology.
- What it can lead to
- You prepare for technician work collecting survey data and producing maps and site plans.
- What to check
- Some employers prefer additional education; it is not universally required.
Choose between learning in an entry job and building technical skills through college first.
After entry
Career paths
This starts where the entry routes leave off: early work, growing capability, and advancement or specialization.
Get established
Practice equipment setup and keep field records another technician can use.
Handle fuller mapping tasks
Learn to update map networks, review incoming drawings, and document where your data came from.
Lead a small mapping team
Senior technician roles can include allocating work, checking completion, and training newer colleagues.
Where you can work
Surveying and engineering firms
Field assignments take you to project sites, sometimes far from home, with weather and terrain shaping the day.
- Field work
- Outdoors
- Travel
- Physical demands
County utility mapping offices
Computer work can dominate: maintain utility map records, review drawings, and answer requests for maps and data.
- Indoors
- Office
Water agencies with field mapping
Some roles combine checking pipe and equipment locations outdoors with updating the agency's infrastructure maps for engineering staff.
- Field work
- Outdoors
- Office
Try it
See whether the job clicks before you commit to the path.
Use a tape measure to map a small room on graph paper. Record the walls and doorway, choose a scale, then remeasure one distance. Does the drawing agree? Notice whether you enjoy both collecting measurements and checking them.
Stay safe: Use a space you have permission to measure; this is a practice sketch, not a property survey.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Surveying and Mapping Technicians. Accessed 2026-10-03.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational projections and worker characteristics. Accessed 2026-10-03.
- O*NET OnLine. 17-3031.00 — Surveying and Mapping Technicians. Accessed 2026-10-03.
- Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. Surveying and Mapping (SAM). Accessed 2026-10-03.
- Manatee County. Utilities Mapping Technician (DOQ). Accessed 2026-10-03.
- Amador Water Agency. Mapping/GIS Technician. Accessed 2026-10-03.