How can I become a professional land surveyor?

This guide explores how to become a land surveyor in the United Kingdom, how much land surveyors earn, what to expect, the qualifications and skills you need to be a successful land surveyor and who you might work for.

What do land surveyors do?

There are various types of land surveyor, so it is important to understand the difference between roles early in your career journey, whether you are in education or looking for practical experience to change career paths.

For example, a general practice chartered surveyor will deal with property valuation and development and may have a legal background. A chartered land surveyor deals with measuring the shape of the land, as well as gathering data for civil engineering and construction projects. They will specialise in geomatics, which involves the collection, analysis and interpretation of data relating to the surface of the Earth. The  daily responsibilities of a land surveyor vary, but to succeed in your role you’d most likely be expected to:

• Use geographical information systems (GIS) to analyse features of a site, then interpret the data
• Learn to use computer-aided-design (CAD) and building-information-modelling (BIM) software
• Produce extremely detailed data sets, plans, blueprint, etc.
• Use varied surveying equipment, from traditional total stations to modern drone-mounted GPS mapping
• Use data from a varied range of external sources, e.g. aerial photographs, laser scanners, satellite surveys
• Measure the land, recording aspects like angles, elevations, and relative distance
• Perform surveys to collect data on man-made and natural features
• Use digital mapping technologies
• Become chartered so you can manage and monitor projects from beginning to end

Depending on your level of experience, who you choose to work for, and the services your employer provides, your daily role might not include everything mentioned above. Your company could work predominantly drone surveying the local coastline, whilst another could specialise in utility mapping.

How much can I earn as a land surveyor?

Your salary will depend on your level of experience, any relevant qualifications, and the company you work for. According to the National Careers Service, the starting salary for a land surveyor sits at around £20,000  and can increase to upwards of £40,000-£50,000  during your career. In fact, the National Careers Service reports maximum earnings for an experienced chartered land surveyors at £70,000 a year. Working hours depend on the company but with the on-site nature of a surveying role, weekly working hours often range between 38 to 40 hours on average. Also, you may work evenings, weekends and work away from home.

What can I expect as a land surveyor?

Long working hours are expected and working away from home is common, but travel expenses are often paid for by your employer. Work tends to be both office and field-based, meaning some of your time will be spent on-site completing land surveying for construction projects. The STEM landscape is constantly changing, so even though there are more men than women working in the industry, the surveying environment is changing and more women are being encouraged to follow this career path if it is their goal.

What qualifications do I need to become a land surveyor?

There are multiple pathways to becoming a land surveyor. Many jobs will require you to complete a university  degree, but more individuals are successful in securing apprenticeships in land surveying and developing their career from a training and educational pathway. Applying to a graduate scheme is also an option, and if you decide to study at university, you are usually expected to hold a relevant undergraduate degree or postgraduate course accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Some potential undergraduate degree subjects for a career in surveying include:

• Civil engineering
• Surveying
• Geographical Information Sciences
• Geomatics

Usually, to continue into postgraduate surveying education, it will be compulsory to have completed a degree in one of these relevant areas. Alternatively, you could do a geospatial and mapping science degree apprenticeship with a surveying company who will most likely offer you a full-time role. They may offer opportunities for career progression, and you might be able to complete on-the-job training or professional qualifications to further enhance your CV. To become a chartered land surveyor you need to complete training with either RICS or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

What skills will I need to become a land surveyor?

There are many pathways into the surveying industry, and you don’t always need experience – this can be acquired on the job. However, you will need to be adaptable, and either be equipped with or prepared to develop the following skills and knowledge:

• Solid mathematical skills
• Attention to detail
• Knowledge/interest in Geography
• Analytical and critical thinking skills
• Good customer service skills
• A sound understanding of engineering science and technology
• Working knowledge of computer operating systems, as well as hardware and software
• Legal understanding of court procedures and government regulations

Who will I work for as a land surveyor?

The skills held as a land surveyor are sought after by a  variety of companies. You can find land surveyors working in both the public and private domain, and roles are varied:

• Geophysics consultancies
• Government agencies
• Central government
• Local authorities
• Construction firms
• Engineering consultancies
• Mapping companies
• Mining companies, especially those overseas
• Rail companies
• Utilities companies
• The Ordnance Survey (OS)
• Specialist surveying companies
• Heritage management consultancies

At Lucion, we offer roles for experienced surveyors and graduate schemes for individuals who have left university and are looking to begin a career in land surveying. Explore our Careers page or contact us to find out more.