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Surveyors

Architecture and Engineering (17-1022)

Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.

At a Glance

Surveyors earns a median of $72,740/yr with +4.4% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Mathematics, Documenting/Recording Information, Working with Computers.

Median Annual Wage

$72,740/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+4.4%

Annual Openings

4

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (9)

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

4.0
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

3.9
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

3.8
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.8
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

3.6
Coordination

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

3.5
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

3.5
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

3.3
Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

3.3

Knowledge (11)

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

4.7
Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

4.3
Geography

Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

4.1
Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

4.0
Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

3.7
Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

3.7
Building and Construction

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

3.7
Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

3.7
Law and Government

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

3.5
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

3.5
Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

3.4

Abilities (14)

Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

4.0
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

4.0
Mathematical Reasoning

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

4.0
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

3.9
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.9
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3.9
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.8
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

3.8
Number Facility

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

3.8
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.6
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.6
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

3.6
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.6
Far Vision

The ability to see details at a distance.

3.6

Technology (7)

Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
ESRI ArcGIS software

Category: Geographic information system | Hot Technology

4.5
Bentley MicroStation

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Autodesk AutoCAD

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5

Work Activities (32)

Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.6
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.5
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.4
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

4.4
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

4.3
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.2
Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

4.2
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

4.1
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.1
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

4.0
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.8
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

3.8
Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

3.8
Performing General Physical Activities

Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

3.7
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

3.7
Coaching and Developing Others

Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

3.7
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

3.7
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

3.6
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

3.6
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

3.5
Developing Objectives and Strategies

Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

3.5
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

3.4
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment

Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

3.4
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

3.4
Developing and Building Teams

Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

3.4
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

3.4
Performing Administrative Activities

Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

3.4
Staffing Organizational Units

Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

3.3
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

3.3
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

3.3
Monitoring and Controlling Resources

Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

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