NewsroomInterested in a Career as a Land Surveyor? Here’s What You Need to Know

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Land surveyors play a key part in the development of land. The art and profession of surveying actually stretches as far back as ancient Egypt. 

According to this Early History of Surveying presentation: 

“Egyptians proved to be extremely adept at measuring the Earth. The monuments, cities, and irrigation systems designed and built by them have stood for centuries as a testament to their ingenuity. Modern calculations and tools can be directly traced back to Ancient Egypt.”

When precise measurements were taken of the Great Pyramid in 1880, for instance, they discovered that ancient Egyptians had mastered the use of 𝜋.

As you can imagine, we’ve come a long way since the days of ropes, pegs, and primitive sighting tools to take measurements and to divide up and plot out lands and structures. 

So, what does a career in land surveying look like today? And if this is a profession that calls to you or someone you know, what does it take to get started and what is the future outlook for it? In this post, we’ll explore. 

What Is a Land Surveyor?

A land surveyor is one who is responsible for taking precise measurements of land. They are able to provide exact locations, boundaries as well as specifications like distances, angles, and other details. 

The goal isn’t just to understand the size of a physical plot of land. Surveyors also help ensure that boundaries are maintained and that placement of properties, pipelines, and utilities complies with local requirements.

In the past, surveyors used rudimentary tools to determine these measurements. Today, surveyors have more advanced tools and technologies at their disposal along with a more complex understanding of mathematics, science, and engineering. 

Some of the tools used in surveying today include: 

• GPS
• Drones
• Satellite imagery
• GIS mapping tools
• CAD software

Land surveyors typically work within multifunctional teams, which include professionals like civil engineers, architects, cartographers, developers, and urban planners. In addition to gathering these crucial measurements, they assist in producing surveys, maps, and reports. 

What Does It Take to Become a Surveyor?

In order to become a successful surveyor, you’ll need skills like: 

• Aptitude in math, science, and engineering
• Strong listening and communication
• Being detail-oriented
• Problem-solving capabilities
• Physical stamina (as there’s lots of standing and walking in the field)
• Visualization and mapping skills
• Project management
• Client relations

It takes a lot of time, education, and experience to acquire this set of skills. While the educational and professional trajectory may differ slightly for some, this is typically the path that will lead you into a successful career in surveying: 

Education

There are several paths to becoming a licensed surveyor in the State of Kansas. Land surveyors can have a high school diploma, an Associate’s degree in STEM, or a Bachelor’s degree in STEM. If you have a high school diploma and then eight years of surveying/field experience, you can then take four different surveying classes to then take the test. Then once passed, you become a licensed surveyor in the State of Kansas. With an Associate’s degree, you can have six years of surveying/field experience, and then sit for the four tests to become certified. With a Bachelor’s degree, you will need four years of surveying/field experience and then can sit for the exam. 

Training

In order to work as a surveyor, you’ll need certain licenses and certifications. However, those typically cannot be obtained until you’ve demonstrated certain competencies. Education alone won’t be enough. 

Some entry-level surveyors start out working as apprentices for more seasoned and licensed surveyors. Others take jobs as surveying technicians. This training process typically takes a few years to qualify for licensing.

Licensing

Once you’ve met all the qualifications for licensing, you’ll be able to offer your surveying services independent of other surveyors. In addition to the educational and training requirements, you’ll be required to pass the licensing exam. 

After you become a licensed surveyor, it’s also beneficial to continue your training and to gain additional certifications to bolster your resume. 

What’s the Job Outlook for Surveyors?

According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, surveyors have a strong future job outlook. 

Between 2024 and 2034, the number of jobs is expected to grow by 4%, which is slightly more than the average growth rate of 3%. This translates to about 3,900 new surveying jobs every year. 

While this means there are tons of opportunities for surveyors and surveying assistants, this job boom isn’t happening because of growth in land development (though that plays a part). 

Similar to what we’re seeing in civil engineering, there are massive amounts of surveyors exiting the workforce for retirement. 

According to BLS data, 86% of land surveyors working today are over the age of 34. While the original source is unclear, many people (like the American Surveyor) suggest that the average age of a licensed surveyor is 57 years old.  

So, yes, there will be ample opportunities for employment over the next decade. However, there aren’t enough new graduates or apprentices to fill those gaps. 

If you already have the training and experience, you’re in a prime position to snag up these job openings. 

One piece of advice we’d give you is to stay on top of relevant training, especially as it pertains to surveying technology. Things are changing fast, and having training and certification in these areas will make you even more competitive.

For everyone else interested in a job in surveying, now is the time to work on gaining your qualifications. 

Between the educational and training requirements, it takes years to become a licensed professional. In the meantime, there are other ways to work in surveying and gain on-the-job experience. 

Interested in a Career in Land Surveying?

At EBH Engineering, our land surveyors perform services like: 

• Construction staking 
• Flood plain development 
• Municipal boundaries
• Boundary surveys 
• Subdivision platting and re-platting 
• Topographic surveys 
• GIS mapping 
• Commercial drone services

If you’re interested in a career in surveying, check out our job board to see if we’re hiring. 

And if your community is in need of land surveying services, please reach out. There are many civil engineering projects around Kansas in need of a good surveyor.