Surveyors
SOC Code: 17-1022 Job Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
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.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Surveyors. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $81,078 | $104,603 | $128,107 | $151,632 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $76,419 | $99,861 | $123,323 | $146,765 |
| Yuba City, CA | $93,870 | $110,469 | $127,046 | $143,645 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $78,312 | $99,154 | $119,974 | $140,816 |
| Fresno, CA | $68,806 | $92,435 | $116,085 | $139,714 |
| Redding, CA | $73,195 | $94,182 | $115,170 | $136,157 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $69,680 | $91,707 | $113,714 | $135,741 |
| Salinas, CA | $68,744 | $90,896 | $113,048 | $135,200 |
| Merced, CA | $66,955 | $89,066 | $111,197 | $133,307 |
| Napa, CA | $68,058 | $89,357 | $110,656 | $131,955 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 4.0 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.9 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.8 | |
| Writing | 3.8 | |
| Speaking | 3.6 | |
| Active Listening | 3.5 | |
| Coordination | 3.5 | |
| Active Learning | 3.2 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.2 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 4.7 |
| Engineering and Technology | 4.2 |
| Geography | 4.0 |
| Computers and Electronics | 4.0 |
| Design | 3.7 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 3.7 |
| Building and Construction | 3.7 |
| Administration and Management | 3.6 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 47.4% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 21.1% |
| High school diploma | 15.8% |
| Associate's degree | 10.5% |
| Some college | 5.3% |
Typical Tasks
- Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
- Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
- Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.
- Record the results of surveys, including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.
- Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
- Prepare, or supervise preparation of, all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
- Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.
- Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Autodesk AutoCAD Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D Bentley MicroStation ESRI ArcGIS software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Word Autodesk AutoCAD Land Desktop Bentley GeoPak Bridge Bentley Systems InRoads Suite CE SURVEYOR III CMT Incorporated CogoCAD Cadcorp desktop GIS Carlson SurvCADD Carlson SurvCE
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