A Career in Surveying
There are a few different tracks that students can choose when deciding on a career in Surveying:
Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) - Visit the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors for more information on licensure rules, applying for and taking the exam.
Surveyor in Training (SIT) - If you are interested in land surveying, the Surveyor in Training (SIT) certification is a great beginning point. SIT certification allows you time to obtain additional education and/or experience as you move towards licensure as a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS). Visit the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors for more information on certification rules, applying for and taking the exam, and continuing education.
Certified Survey Technician (CST) - A CST designation for non-RPLSs provides a career ladder for technicians, credentials to technicians, a standard way for employers to evaluate capabilities of prospective applicants, and can be used as an assessment tool in conjunction with survey education programs. Four levels of certification are offered in two primary tracks – field and office. Visit the National Society of Professional Surveyors for more information on certification rules, applying for and taking the exams.
Surveyors occupy a respected position among professionals in Texas, and compensation for registered surveyors and land surveying paraprofessionals has continued to grow enormously. A Salary Survey of members of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors (from 2009) found an average annual salary of $89,452 for RPLSs ($76,517 for RPLSs licensed 5 years or less, and $91,874 for RPLSs licensed 5 years or more). Texas non-RPLSs (Surveyors-in-Training, Office Technicians, Party Chiefs, Instrument Persons) are also well-compensated, earning on average $49,255 annually.
The Texas Society of Professional Surveyors (TSPS) is the organization that supports students during their education and professional growth. Find out more about the benefits of being TSPS a member.
Adventure
Looking to mix a little adventure into your workday? As a land surveyor, you won’t be chained to a cubicle. Sure, you may spend time in the office using CAD (Computer Aided Design) and processing survey data. But other times you’ll be in the great outdoors in some far-off destinations. A morning commute may just involve an ATV. And your lunchroom may just include a scenic river.
Challenges
As a Land Surveyor, no day is ever the same. You’ll always be learning new techniques and getting creative with solutions. One day you may be digging through historical documents, and on another day you may find yourself flying a drone. Whether at your desk doing data research or out in the field, surveying always poses a challenge.
Technology
Surveyors use the most cutting-edge technology available. From drones (UAVs), to 3D laser scanners, to sophisticated GPS equipment, land surveying is constantly taking advantage of the latest hi-tech equipment to get the job done. And this technology is always changing and improving. So, for someone with a love of the outdoors and a love of technology, land surveying could be the perfect profession.
Ready to get started? Check out the colleges and universities with excellent Surveying programs.