Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Surveying and mapping technicians work in a field that combines technical skills, precision, and physical stamina. Nationally, this occupation employs about 59,000 people and offers a median annual salary of $51,940, indicating a solid earnings base for a role that typically requires only a high school diploma or equivalent. Projected employment growth of 4.5% and about 8,000 annual openings suggest a steady flow of opportunities over time. Success in this career draws on computers and information technology, mathematics, critical and analytical thinking, and attention to detail, along with physical strength and stamina and fine motor abilities. For people who enjoy problem solving, working with data and measurements, and applying mechanical and science-related skills, this path can be a good fit. Related options include geological technicians, various drafting roles, cartographers and photogrammetrists, and other life, physical, and social science technician jobs for those exploring nearby career directions.
Surveying and mapping technicians earn a national median annual salary of $51,940, with higher median pay available in several states and metros. Among the top states by opportunity score, California stands out with a median salary of $78,110, followed by Washington at $62,720, Colorado at $57,890, Massachusetts at $58,730, and New York at $57,360. At the metro level, some areas offer even higher median pay: San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA reports $84,360, and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA offers $76,560. Other strong metros include Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV at $59,960, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH at $59,820, and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ at $57,530. These figures suggest that geographic choice can make a substantial difference in earning potential for this occupation.
Surveying and mapping technicians have a national employment base of about 59,000 workers, with projected employment growth of 4.5%. In addition, the occupation is expected to have about 8,000 annual openings. Together, these figures point to a labor market that offers ongoing opportunities for both new entrants and experienced workers changing jobs or locations. The presence of detailed growth and opportunity scores for multiple states and metro areas indicates that this field is established across different regions. Consistent growth projections of 4.5% in the highlighted states and metros show a similar outlook across these locations. For individuals interested in a technical career that blends computational, mechanical, and field-oriented work, these employment and opening numbers suggest a stable environment in which to build and develop a long-term career.
Location can significantly shape the opportunity profile for surveying and mapping technicians. Among states, California has the highest median salary at $78,110 and the largest employment level listed at 3,340, with a 4.5% growth rate and an opportunity score of 67.38. Massachusetts and New York both show mid-$50,000s median pay and opportunity scores in the mid-60s, while Colorado and Washington combine median salaries around the high-$50,000s to low-$60,000s with opportunity scores in the mid-50s. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ post the highest opportunity scores, 77.42 and 77.27 respectively, with solid employment bases. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA offers the highest listed metro median salary at $84,360. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH provide a combination of moderate employment, just under $60,000 median pay, and opportunity scores in the low-to-mid 60s.
Surveying and mapping technicians typically enter the field with a high school diploma or equivalent, making it accessible for individuals who are not pursuing a four-year degree. However, the skills profile indicates that this is a technical and demanding occupation. Key strengths include computers and information technology, mathematics, and science, which support the analytical and data-focused aspects of the work. Critical and analytical thinking, problem solving and decision making, and being detail oriented are important for accuracy and reliability. Fine motor skills and physical strength and stamina point to tasks that may require careful handling of tools and equipment, along with sustained physical effort. Mechanical aptitude is also valuable. Strong writing and reading abilities help with understanding technical information and documenting work. Together, these skills show that while formal education requirements are modest, success in this career depends on building a broad and robust technical and cognitive skill set.
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