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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)

£18,000 Starter

to

£28,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

45 to 47 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Surveying technician

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 you when you apply for a trainee position.

Relevant courses include:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment
  • Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Surveying
  • Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering for Technicians
  • T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

  • 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 do a surveying technician advanced apprenticeship.

After you've completed an apprenticeship, you can become an associate member of 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
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) as a student or apprentice member. Once you're qualified, you can be an associate member.

Further information

You can find out more about surveying careers and training from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of geography
  • 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

Depending on the field of surveying you work in, you could:

  • estimate and draw up project costs
  • measure and record data on land, buildings or construction projects
  • create plans using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software
  • assist with environmental impact assessments
  • survey buildings or map land use
  • value land, property and machinery
  • organise the sale of assets by auction
  • visit sites to report on the progress of projects

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

You could become self-employed and work as a freelance surveying technician.

With experience and further training you could become a professional surveyor. You can get support to do this from the Chartered Surveyor's Training Trust.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Surveying technician right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Quantity Surveying

  • Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 January 2025
  • Location: Ipswich

BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying

  • Provider: LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Liverpool
Find courses near you

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