How to Become a Land Surveyor

If you’re interested in a career that involves precision, technology, and outdoor work, becoming a land surveyor might be the right thing for you. Land surveyors play a big role in measuring and mapping land for construction, real estate, and urban development projects. This blog post will discuss the process of becoming a land surveyor which typically includes formal education, practical field experience, and getting licensure.

What does a land surveyor do?

A land surveyor specializes in measuring and mapping land boundaries, contours, and features. Using advanced technology like GPS, total stations, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems), land surveyors create precise maps and reports that are essential for various industries such as construction, real estate, and urban planning. Their work ensures that land is correctly defined and documented, playing a crucial role in property development, legal land ownership, and the planning of infrastructure projects. They help avoid disputes and provide the foundational data for land use decisions.

Land surveyor roles and responsibilities

Land surveyors basically measure and record where things are on the surface of the earth, usually in relation to a known geodetic grid. To be more precise:

How to become a land surveyor

Becoming a land surveyor requires a combination of formal education, practical field experience, and passing licensure exams.

Land Surveyor education

When choosing a career as a land surveyor in the U.S., the type of degree you choose plays a big role in the difficulty of entering the field and your likelihood of success. The educational requirements vary across states and can affect both the length of your training and the career opportunities available to you. Here’s a breakdown of how different degrees influence the path to becoming a licensed land surveyor:

A. Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree in land surveying, geomatics, civil engineering, or a related field is the most direct and widely recognized route. This degree typically takes four years to complete and covers a range of topics essential to the profession, including:

Because a bachelor’s degree offers extensive training in both the technical and legal aspects of land surveying, it positions graduates well for licensing exams and career advancement. Many states require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program as part of the licensing process, and employers tend to favor candidates with this level of education, particularly for more advanced or specialized surveying roles.

B. Associate Degree

In some states, an associate degree in land surveying or a related field, such as civil engineering technology, is sufficient to enter the profession, especially when combined with several years of relevant work experience. Associate degree programs typically take two years and provide a solid foundation in surveying techniques and equipment use, but they may not cover advanced topics in as much depth as a bachelor’s program, and so it’s harder to become a fully licensed.

How to get practical experience through internships or apprenticeships

Apply to as many opportunities as possible and reach out to professionals in the field directly. Start by looking for internship programs offered by surveying firms, engineering companies, or government agencies. Job boards, career fairs, and your university’s career center can also be valuable resources. However, don’t rely solely on advertised positions—often, the best way to secure an opportunity is by networking. Reach out to local surveying companies, civil engineering firms, or licensed surveyors via email or LinkedIn, expressing your interest in getting practical experience. Cold outreach is great!

Many companies may not have formal internship programs but could offer you an opportunity if you show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Persistence is key; it’s a numbers game, and by casting a wide net and connecting with as many professionals as possible, you increase your chances of landing an opportunity to get the hands-on experience needed for your surveying career.

How to become a licensed land surveyor

To become a licensed land surveyor in the U.S., you need to follow a structured process that combines education, practical experience, and passing key exams.

After finishing your education, the next step is to pass the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam, which tests your understanding of core surveying principles. Once you pass this exam, you become a Surveyor-in-Training (SIT) and need to work under the supervision of a licensed land surveyor for a set number of years (usually around four). During this period, you get hands-on experience and prepare for the final step: passing the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam.

After passing both exams and gettting the needed experience, you can apply for licensure in your state. Each state may have slightly different requirements, so it’s important to check with your state’s licensing board. Maintaining licensure requires ongoing education to stay current with industry advancements and regulations.

How to become a land surveyor without a degree

Becoming a land surveyor without a degree is possible in some states, but it typically requires more work experience to compensate for the lack of formal education. Instead of pursuing a bachelor’s degree, people can start by working as an assistant or apprentice under a licensed land surveyor to get hands-on experience.

Most states require a certain number of years working in the field—often 4 to 10 years—depending on the education level. During this time, it’s essential to learn the trade, understand the technical tools, and develop a deep knowledge of boundary laws and surveying principles. After enough experience, candidates can apply to take the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam.

Once they pass, they become a Surveyor-in-Training (SIT) and continue getting more supervised experience before they are eligible to take the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam for licensure. While it takes longer without a degree, persistence, dedication, and practical experience can still lead to a successful career as a licensed land surveyor.

Land surveyor specializations

What skills do you need to be a land surveyor

Becoming a successful land surveyor requires a blend of technical skills and personal qualities. Strong math skills are essential, as surveyors calculate distances, angles, and land areas with precision. Attention to detail is critical since even small errors can have significant consequences in legal boundaries and construction projects. Surveyors also need to be technically proficient, with the ability to use specialized equipment like GPS, total stations, and drones, as well as geographic information system (GIS) software. You will get tested on these skills in a technical interview. Problem-solving skills are important for navigating challenges in the field, such as difficult terrain or unexpected issues with equipment.

Additionally, land surveyors need good communication skills to work effectively with clients, contractors, and government officials. On a personal level, successful surveyors are often patient, methodical, and adaptable, able to handle the unpredictable nature of outdoor work, including weather conditions and project delays, with professionalism and focus.

How hard is it to become land surveyor

Becoming a land surveyor can be a tough journey, and it’s not uncommon for people to struggle with it. Passing the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam can be challenging, with sometimes only about half of the candidates in a class succeeding, and even fewer making it through the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam to gain licensure. After years of education and hands-on experience, some might find they don’t progress as far as they’d hoped. Maintaining a professional license is also essential just to keep working, which comes with its own set of ongoing demands.

Small problems, like dead batteries or malfunctioning equipment, can ruin an entire day. On top of that, the weather often plays a big role in whether you can even get out in the field.

How much does a land surveyor make

Land surveyor salaries in the United States vary significantly based on experience level and location. Entry-level surveyors typically earn between $43,000 and $53,000 annually, while those with several years of experience can expect salaries ranging from $65,000 to $80,000. Highly experienced surveyors or those in management positions may earn upwards of $100,000 per year. Location also plays a crucial role in determining salaries. For instance, surveyors in metropolitan areas or states with high costs of living, such as California or New York, tend to earn more than their counterparts in rural areas or states with lower living costs. Additionally, surveyors working for the federal government often command higher salaries, with some earning over $140,000 annually.