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Surveying technician

Alternative titles for this job include

Surveying technicians carry out tasks to support chartered surveyors, architects and engineers.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£32,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 45

You could work

between 8am and 6pm flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

  • construction
  • building surveying
  • civil engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You can take a college course to learn some of the skills needed for the job. This may help when you apply for a trainee position.

Relevant courses include:

  • construction and the built environment
  • engineering surveying
  • civil engineering for technicians
  • T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Surveying Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship with a surveying company, construction firm or local authority.

This takes around 2 years to complete and combines on-the-job training and time spent with a learning provider.

Find out more about surveying apprenticeships from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors for professional development opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about surveying careers from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • maths knowledge
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • design skills and knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a surveying technician, you could:

  • estimate and draw up project costs
  • measure and record data on engineering and construction projects
  • create plans using computer-aided design (CAD) software
  • assist with environmental impact assessments
  • survey buildings or map land use, with laser scanning and GPS equipment
  • value land, property and machinery
  • organise the sale of assets by auction
  • visit sites and help to produce survey reports

Working environment

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

Your working environment may be at height and outdoors in all weathers.

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 and further training you could become a professional chartered surveyor.

You might also turn self-employed, as a freelance surveying technician, and work on different contracts.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Surveying Technician Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £14,722.50 a year Annually
  • Location: Nottingham, UK
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

HNC Quantity Surveying for England (HTQ)

  • Provider: HEART OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 01 January 2026
  • Location: Castleford

T Level Construction - Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

  • Provider: SOUTH ESSEX COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
  • Start date: 02 September 2026
  • Location: Grays
Find courses near you

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