If math, measuring and visualization is your strength, consider a career in surveying. Surveyors gather data about the elevation, contour and dimensions of land or sea bottom. This data gets used for everything from mapmaking, mining, engineering, establishing land boundaries and general construction. These professionals work closely with technologies like Remote Operated Vehicles and have many opportunities available.
Make a Difference
A Typical Day
- Prepare or supervise preparation of all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
- Verify the accuracy of survey data.
- Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.
- Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
- Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.
Recommended Credentials
Associate Degree
Education & Training
Regional employers often hire graduates of these programs.
Northwest Lower Michigan
Surveying Technology Degrees
— Northwestern Michigan College
This unique program covers land, sea and air surveying with latest industry equipment.
Elsewhere in Michigan
Surveying and Materials Technology or Civil Technologies Degree
— Lansing Community College
Explore This Career
Try it before you buy it!
Visit the Surveying program at NMC
Job shadow at local company or MDOT
Investigate Google Earth features; make a story map or offline trip map.
The Local Advantage Learning Pathway
Pathway 1
Strengths: math, communications and computer skills
Related high school courses:
- Physical Sciences
- Computer-Aided Design
- Geography/Social Studies
Related Career Tech Center programs:
Engineering Academy and Robotics & Automation
Pathway 2
Surveying Technology Degrees
— Northwestern Michigan College
All students have paid summer internships, and many have school expenses paid by hiring employers!
Pathway 3
To increase opportunities, consider becoming a Certified Surveyor Technician
NMC articulates to Michigan Tech University and University of Maine to prepare for becoming a Licensed Surveyor.
Sample Employers in Our Region
Click the logos below to learn more.
TIP
Contact one of these companies and ask for an informational interview, to see if you can job shadow, or to find out if they hire interns.
Sample Job Titles...
- City Surveyor
- County Surveyor
- Land Surveyor
- Mine Surveyor
- Registered Land Surveyor
- Surveyor
Hear It From The Pros
10-Year Job Growth Projections
Employed Regionally
Wage Range & Median 10-County Region
Annual Hires Regionally
Other Regional Career Resources
Learn more about Surveying and Mapping Technicians at O*NET Online.
Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors
Real World Career Pathways
It doesn't have to be a straight shot! Hear from people who have taken unique pathways.