Surveyors

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment for surveyors will grow by about 2 percent, slower than the average, through 2029. The coronavirus pandemic caused a slowdown for many businesses, however, surveying and mapping professionals have continued to work throughout and will continue to be needed. Job prospects will be best for surveyors who have college degrees and advanced field experience, and work in industries such as oil and gas mining. The widespread use of technology, such as the Global Positioning System and Geographic Information Systems, will provide jobs to surveyors with strong technical and computer skills. This same technology, however, will also reduce the numbers of surveyors needed, because the technology enables them to accomplish more work in less time.

Growth in urban and suburban areas (with the need for new streets, homes, shopping centers, schools, gas and water lines) will provide employment opportunities. State and federal highway improvement programs and local urban redevelopment programs also will provide jobs for surveyors. The expansion of industrial and business firms and the relocation of some firms to large undeveloped tracts will also create job openings. The construction industry will also provide job opportunities for surveyors. It should be noted, however, that  construction projects are closely tied to the state of the economy, so employment may fluctuate from year to year. Job opportunities will not be as strong with government agencies due to budget cuts.