DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
17-3031 Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Occupational Description:
Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps. Excludes "Cartographers and Photogrammetrists" (17-1021), "Surveyors" (17-1022), and "Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers" (19-2042).| Percentiles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Minnesota | 750 | 83 | $28.43/hr | $0.68/hr | $17.87/hr | $22.45/hr | $28.80/hr | $34.50/hr | $38.47/hr |
| U S | 53,030 | 955 | $23.56/hr | $0.12/hr | $13.80/hr | $16.98/hr | $21.86/hr | $28.69/hr | $36.52/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change 2023 - 2025 | |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | 1,970 | $26.39/hr | 2.3% |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians | 1,960 | $29.31/hr | 0.9% |
| Tool and Die Makers | 1,840 | $27.62/hr | 0.3% |
| Surveyors | 900 | $33.92/hr | 2.7% |
| Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic | 790 | $17.50/hr | 2.2% |
| Conservation Scientists | 630 | $30.49/hr | 1.9% |
| Medical Appliance Technicians | 430 | $24.61/hr | N/A |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | 430 | $32.36/hr | 1.9% |
| Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers | 50 | $43.36/hr | 1.0% |
| Traffic Technicians | 30 | $32.14/hr | N/A |
Tasks for Surveying and Mapping Technicians
- Obtains land survey data, such as angles, elevations, points, and contours, using electronic distance measuring equipment and other surveying instruments.
- Compiles notes, sketches, and records of survey data obtained and work performed.
- Directs work of subordinate members of party, performing surveying duties not requiring licensure.
- Computes and measures scaled distances between reference points to establish exact relative position of adjoining prints.
- Forms three-dimensional image of aerial photographs taken from different locations, using mathematical and aides and plotting instruments.
- Verifies identification of topographical features and accuracy of contour lines by comparison with aerial photographs, old maps, and other reference materials.
- Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in drafting maps or in production of blueprints, photostats, and photographs.
- Stores, retrieves, and compares map information, using computers and data banks.
- Analyzes aerial photographs to detect and interpret significant military, industrial, resource, or topographical data.
- Trims, aligns, and joins prints to form photographic mosaic, maintaining scaled distances between reference points.
- Marks errors and makes corrections, such as numbering grid lines or lettering names of rivers or towns.
- Lays out and matches aerial photographs in sequence taken, looking for missing areas.
- Traces contours and topographical details to produce map.
- Calculates latitude, longitude, angles, areas, and other information for mapmaking from survey field notes, using reference tables and computer.
