Surveying Engineering: Job Description, Salary, and Job Trends

When driving down a street, you may sometimes notice individuals in bright-green traffic vests looking through lenses hoisted on tripods. If you've ever wondered who these individuals are, they are surveying engineers. Have you ever wondered what surveying engineers do or how much they get paid? Maybe you are thinking about pursuing a career in surveying and need some extra guidance on the process. Whatever the case may be, we have outlined some information about surveying engineers below: 

Table of Contents

1. What do surveyors do?

2. Why should I become a surveyor?

3. How do I become a surveyor?

1. What do surveyors do? 

Surveying engineers take measurements of the earth's surfaces for various projects. They take measurements of property lines, survey the curves and contour of the ground, and evaluate construction zones before construction begins. Surveyors also perform research on land records and prepare maps, plots, and reports. 

2. Why should I become a surveyor? 

Surveying engineering is rapidly growing in popularity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the surveying field is projected to grow 11% between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than other career fields. In 2016, there were 44,800 surveyor jobs. In 2026, there is projected to be 49,800 jobs available. 

The median pay for surveying engineering is another factor to evaluate when looking at job security. In 2017, the median pay for surveyors was $61,140 per year. 

3. How do I become a surveyor? 

To become a surveyor, one must acquire an engineering undergraduate degree from an accredited university. Then, to become licensed, the FS and PS exams must be taken and passed. 

The FS exam is typically administered first, then after obtaining four years of professional surveying experience, applicants may take the PS exam. According to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), the organization that administers and scores the surveying exams, states that "[The FS exam] is designed for recent graduates and students who are close to finishing an undergraduate surveying degree from an ABET accredited program" and "The PS exam tests your ability to practice the surveying profession competently." 

To assist those who wish to take the FS or PS exam, School of PE provides both FS and PS review courses to help exam applicants prepare for their exams. Through years of experience preparing exam review courses and obtaining student feedback, School of PE has formulated and strategized what really makes the best review course, and we believe School of PE provides the right tools and expertise to help students pass their exams. 

If you are interested in pursuing a career in surveying engineering and want to prepare for the FS or PS exam, check out School of PE! 

Information derived from ncees.org and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.