Surveying and Mapping Technicians: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Surveying and Mapping Technicians fall under the Architecture and Engineering category in the U.S. occupational classification. Surveying and Mapping Technicians earn a median salary of $54,240 per year, ranking in the top 60% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +5.8% job growth through 2035, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do surveying and mapping technicians earn?

The median annual wage for surveying and mapping technicians is $54,240. That puts surveying and mapping technicians at #497 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is surveying and mapping technicians a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for surveying and mapping technicians is +5.8%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 58K positions in 2024 to 62K in 2034, a net change of 4K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What education does my child need to become surveying and mapping technician?

The standard path into surveying and mapping technicians begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

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Common questions parents ask about surveying and mapping technicians