Surveyor
job profile (m/f/d)

Surveyor: Measuring the Earth in spatial data

Surveyors, surveying technicians or, as the ancient Greeks called it, geodesy record the spatial data of the earth. With the aid of various measuring methods (e.g. radar and infra-red images), they measure areas, mountains, waters or buildings. The collected data is mapped or recorded in geographic information systems – an important basis for construction planning, climate research or demarcation. In this way, ownership rights to land can be secured and infrastructure measures can be planned and efficiently implemented.

In addition to measuring a wide variety of surfaces, surveyors are also in demand in research and development. In doing so, they further develop geoinformation systems as well as measurement and evaluation methods. They provide geodetic reference networks and are responsible for their continuous updating.

Surveying technicians lay the foundation for construction projects, city maps, land or nautical charts. Even a functioning navigation system or a stable route planner depends on the work of the surveyors with millimetre precision.

Surveyor tasks:

Surveyors work both in the office and in the field. On the one hand, they are on site and ensure the correct execution of the survey. On the other hand, they are active in the office, where they plan and evaluate the collected series of measurements.

The typical everyday tasks of surveyors include:

• Surveying of land, buildings or landscapes
• Use of technical devices such as total stations, GPS receivers or 3D scanners
• Evaluation of recorded data in construction plans, maps and real-estate cadastres
• Planning, preparation and visualisation of measurement results
• Creation and maintenance of databases

What training should surveyors have?

In order to be able to work as a surveyor, a degree in surveying and geodesy or geoinformatics is required.

However, the path of training as a surveying technician can also be chosen. Trainees can specialise in two disciplines:

• Surveyors, surveying technician
• Mine surveyor and mine surveying technician

What salary can surveyors expect?

Depending on the employer, work pay and professional experience, the salary of surveyors varies. The gross starting salary for trained surveyors is EUR 2,300 to 3,200 gross per month. Experienced engineers, on the other hand, can expect an average income of around EURO 4,000 gross per month. Top earners in surveying can even expect monthly gross income of up to EUR 5,500.

Anyone who completes a three-year apprenticeship as a surveying technician in the public sector earns between EUR 670 and 840 gross per month in the first year. The salary increases up to EUR 940 gross monthly in the third year of training. In private enterprises, the salary often depends on the size of the company. After completing their training, the salary for surveying technicians increases to an average of around EUR 2,750 gross per month.

Where do surveyors work?

Surveying technicians are often employed in the public sector. Their expertise is needed at surveying offices, mining authorities and municipal cadastral offices, as well as in state surveying offices or authorities for geoinformation and land development.

Surveyors are also in demand in the private sector in engineering or surveying offices or in companies in the construction industry. Take a look at our open job advertisements, which cover different positions and industries.

What hard and soft skills do surveying technicians need to have?

Surveyors need a wide range of skills in their job. In addition to expert knowledge in surveying, reliability during the recording, evaluation and documentation of data is necessary. Because measurement and calculation errors can have fatal consequences such as, for example, incorrect boundary data and, therefore, incorrect property development – in the worst case, beyond the property line.

Surveyors must be well-versed in the following areas:

• Geoscience
• Management of geographical data
• Technologies in the field of geoinformation
• Cartography
• Surveying and geodetic measuring techniques
• Statistics and mathematical geodesy
• IT applications such as tools for image processing, programming of geographical data, CAD for construction, architecture and surveying
• Navigation
• Legal and administrative regulations

Certain soft skills are required as well:

• A sense of responsibility
• A precise way of working
• The ability to think visually
• Quick comprehension
• The ability to work in all weather conditions
• Leadership qualities for project management
• An interdisciplinary way of thinking

What opportunities does a surveyor have on the job market?

There is a desperate search for qualified surveyors. There are currently more vacancies than there are applicants. There is also a lack of junior staff in new professions that have developed through the use of modern technology outside of classical surveying. Above all, it is about forming strategic alliances between engineers of various competencies.

In addition to jobs in research, surveying technicians are still needed at cadastral or surveying offices. Further areas of application arise in engineering, architecture and planning offices, or in manufacturers of measuring and navigation systems.

Find your next challenge or employee with Hays

The search for qualified surveyors can be lengthy. But through our innovative "Find & Bind" concept, we successfully bring companies and experts together. For example, we place surveyors with various large companies such as Deutsche Bahn. In doing so, we respond to your individual wishes and needs. We know our companies as well as our candidates.

In our extensive pool of companies and applicant profiles, we quickly find someone who is a perfect fit. We compare qualifications with requirements and personality with corporate values. As soon as we find that the skills, experience and wishes of candidates match the requirements of a job profile, we establish mutual contact. If, after the talks, it is clear that cooperation is desired, the framework conditions for this will be agreed upon with us. Shape your professional future with us.