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Land surveyor

Alternative titles for this job include Geographic information systems (GIS) surveyor, geomatics surveyor

Land surveyors measure the shape of the land, and gather data for civil engineering and construction projects.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Land surveyor

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • a graduate training scheme

University

You'll usually need a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification, accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Relevant subjects include:

  • surveying
  • civil engineering
  • geomatics
  • geographical information science

You may be able to do a postgraduate conversion course if your first degree is not related to surveying.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do a geospatial and mapping science degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

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Other Routes

You could get a postgraduate qualification through a graduate trainee scheme.

You could also get a graduate diploma in surveying by distance learning, with the University College of Estate Management, if you're working for a surveying practice.

More Information

Registration

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a land surveyor from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and The Survey Association.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • knowledge of geography
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you will:

  • collect and analyse data to map the land for civil engineering and construction projects
  • carry out surveys and identify potential effects of construction on the environment
  • use GPS and surveying instruments
  • use digital images and satellite photos
  • collect and analyse data using geographic information systems (GIS)
  • monitor land movement as a result of construction and natural processes
  • create charts and maps using computer aided design (CAD)

Working environment

You could work in an office or on a construction site.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into project management or contract management. You could specialise in an aspect of surveying, or work as a self-employed consultant.

Applying for chartered status through RICS could improve your career prospects.

You may also be able to apply for chartered environmentalist status. You can find out more about being a chartered environmentalist from the Society for the Environment.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Land & Measured Building Surveyor

  • Wage: £9,984 to £17,846.40 a year Annually
  • Location: Moulton Park Industrial Estate, Northampton
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Diploma in Construction Skills

  • Provider: UNITED COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: London

Diploma in Construction Multiskills

  • Provider: THE GROWTH COMPANY LIMITED
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Manchester
Find courses near you

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