Land Surveyors are highly skilled professionals with a reputation for accuracy and integrity. They create maps of property lines, prepare construction layout plans, and provide information about the land’s topography and suitability for development. Land surveyors interpret what is on the ground, such as natural features and artificial changes, and use various surveying methods to measure distances, depths, levels, heights, angles, slopes, and other characteristics.
Land surveyors are professionals who measure and calculate the land to be subdivided. The subdivision is used for legal documents, construction, and more. The land surveyor’s duties include:
Becoming a land surveyor requires experience in the field and a high school diploma or equivalent. You may want to consider getting an associate degree in surveying, allowing you to work as a professional surveyor and take on more complex projects.
What is A Land surveyor?
A land surveyor is a professional who practices surveying, the science of measuring and positioning land features. In the United States, land surveyors are licensed by the states where they practice.
Surveying is used to determine property boundaries, design roads and other infrastructure, and produce maps. Land surveyors use a variety of instruments to measure angles and distances, and they use this data to calculate positions on the earth’s surface.
Becoming a land surveyor in the United States requires completing a four-year degree program in surveying or a related field and passing a state-licensed exam.
Qualifications For Becoming A Land Surveyor In The United States
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to becoming a land surveyor in the United States. The requirements vary by state, but there are some general guidelines that you will need to follow. To become a licensed land surveyor, you will need to complete an accredited college degree program, pass the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Land Surveying (FLS) exam, and complete a state-specific licensing exam.
The first step is completing an accredited college degree program. A bachelor’s degree in surveying engineering from an ABET-accredited institution is typically required. If you have a degree in another field of engineering, you may be able to complete a post-graduate certificate program in surveying. Once you have completed your education, you must take and pass the NCEES FLS exam.
After passing the FLS exam, you must complete a state-specific licensing exam. Each state has different requirements for licensure, so be sure to check with your state’s licensing board for more information. Once you have met all the requirements and have been licensed in your state, you can practice as a professional land surveyor.
Duties of A Land Surveyor
A land surveyor is responsible for conducting surveys of land areas to determine boundaries and elevations for legal, engineering, or construction purposes. They use various tools and equipment to measure and map the land, including GPS receivers, total robotic stations, leveling instruments, and drones. In addition to conducting surveys, land surveyors keep records of their findings, prepare reports and maps, and provide consulting services to clients.
How Much Does It Cost To Become A Land Surveyor?
The cost of becoming a land surveyor can vary depending on the education and training required. However, it is generally not expensive, and many surveyors can recoup their costs. If a local company is hiring, go apply and many of the companies will pay to put you through the necessary schooling.
Earning Expectations
As a land surveyor in the United States, you can earn a median salary of $62,610 per year, or $30.13 per hour. The top 10 percent of earners make more than $92,780 per year, while the bottom 10 percent make less than $33,430 per year. Salary will vary depending on experience, education, and location.
What Are The Career Prospects Associated With This Career?
There are many different career prospects associated with being a land surveyor. One can become a civil engineer, construction manager, or environmental scientist. The job outlook for this career is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2026, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What is The Job Description of A Land Surveyor?
A land surveyor is responsible for measuring and mapping land areas. This involves using various tools and instruments, such as GPS receivers, levels, and theodolites. They also use computers to create maps and drawings. Land surveyors must communicate well, as they often work with other professionals, such as architects and engineers.
Pros & Cons OF Becoming A Land Surveyor In The United States
Pros:
- Land surveying is a great way to learn about your local area and its history.
- It can be an exciting and rewarding career.
- You can work outdoors and enjoy the scenery while you work.
- Land surveying can be a great way to meet new people and make new friends.
- Can learn about the different types of equipment used
- Can learn about the different types of surveys
- There is a high demand for land surveyors in the United States.
- The pay is relatively good.
- There are many opportunities to advance in the field.
- Can learn about the math and science involved in surveying
- Can learn about the different careers in surveying
Cons:
- Becoming a land surveyor requires a lot of schooling and experience
- The work can be outdoors in all types of weather
- Land surveying can be dangerous if you are not careful
- The hours can be long and irregular.
- The work can be physically demanding.
- You may need to travel to different locations for work.
Conclusion
Becoming a land surveyor in the United States is not easy, but it is possible with the proper education and training. Some many accredited colleges and universities offer programs in surveying, and passing the necessary exams are essential to becoming licensed. With hard work and dedication, you can become a land surveyor in the United States and help contribute to meaningful projects like mapping out new roads and developments.
