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


Typical Salary

£18,000 – £28,000

per year

Working Hours

45–47

hours per week

Career Area

Building and civil engineering technicians

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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

Skills needed

  • 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

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

Career 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.