What does a land surveyor do?
Land and geospatial surveyors collect precise measurements of land, buildings and infrastructure and turn them into maps and 3D models used for planning, construction and property.
Salary
These are approximate UK figures for guidance only, not guaranteed salaries. Pay varies by employer, location and experience. Approximate. Check the National Careers Service, Prospects and professional bodies for current figures.
How do you become a land surveyor?
- GCSEs including maths
- A levels or Level 3 surveying technician apprenticeship
- Geospatial surveying degree or degree apprenticeship
- Land Surveyor
Routes include surveying technician apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and geography or surveying degrees.
Routes vary. Always check entry requirements with course providers, employers and the relevant professional body.
Do you need a degree?
Often useful but not essential
Main routes in: A levels, Apprenticeship, Degree.
Useful subjects
- Maths
- Geography
- Physics
Skills you'll need
- Using survey equipment
- Maths and geometry
- CAD and GIS
- Attention to detail
- Outdoor fieldwork
Where could you work?
- Surveying firms
- Construction
- Mapping agencies
- Utilities
What is the work like?
A mix of outdoor fieldwork with surveying equipment and office work processing data.
Career progression
Progress to senior or chartered surveyor, specialise in areas like hydrographic surveying, or run projects.
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Written by the STEMLaunch Editorial Team. Last updated 2026-10-05. General careers information only; check details with official sources such as the National Careers Service, NHS Careers, UCAS and professional bodies.