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Geodesy Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Geodesy information

See California salary details

$36K

$75.3K

$112K

How much do geodesy jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for geodesy in California is $75,280.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $93,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of geodesy, high-paying roles such as senior geospatial engineers, survey directors, or specialized consulting roles can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership responsibilities. These positions often require advanced degrees, expertise in GIS and remote sensing tools, and may involve managing large projects or teams. Such salaries are typically found in senior management or executive-level positions within large organizations or government agencies.

What does geodesy do?

Geodesy is the science of measuring and understanding Earth's shape, gravity field, and rotation. Geodesists use tools like GPS, satellite data, and surveying techniques to create accurate maps, monitor land changes, and support navigation and engineering projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Geodesy position, and why are they important?

To excel in Geodesy, strong analytical skills, a background in mathematics, geography, or engineering, and a relevant degree such as geodesy or geomatics are typically required. Familiarity with GPS/GNSS systems, GIS software, remote sensing technologies, and certifications like GISP or ASPRS are common assets. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help geodesists collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and interpret complex data. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring accurate earth measurements and supporting various applications like mapping, surveying, and navigation.

What is a Geodesy job?

A Geodesy job involves measuring and understanding Earth's shape, gravity field, and spatial position. Geodesists use satellite data, GPS, and other technologies to create precise maps, monitor land changes, and support navigation systems. They work in various fields, including surveying, cartography, and engineering, ensuring accurate geographic data for infrastructure, environmental studies, and scientific research.

What careers can you pursue with geoinformatics?

With a background in geoinformatics, careers include roles such as geospatial analyst, GIS specialist, remote sensing analyst, cartographer, and geodesist. These positions often require skills in GIS software, data analysis, and spatial data management, and may involve working in environmental, urban planning, or surveying industries.

What is the highest paying job in GIS?

In GIS, the highest paying roles are often GIS Managers, Geospatial Directors, or GIS Program Directors, who oversee large projects and teams. These positions typically require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive experience, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the industry and location.

What types of projects or daily tasks can I expect to work on as a Geodesist?

As a Geodesist, your daily tasks may involve collecting and analyzing spatial data, conducting surveys using GPS and satellite technologies, and processing geographic information for various applications. You might work on projects related to land surveying, map creation, infrastructure development, or monitoring natural hazards like earthquakes. Collaboration with engineers, surveyors, and GIS specialists is common, as these projects often require a team approach. You'll frequently use specialized software and field equipment to ensure your measurements and analyses are accurate and reliable. This dynamic role offers opportunities to solve real-world challenges while advancing both technical and analytical skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Geodesy jobs in California? The most popular types of Geodesy jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Geodesy jobs in California? For Geodesy jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Geodesy jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Geodesy jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Geodesy jobs? Cities in California with the most Geodesy job openings:
Infographic showing various Geodesy job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,280 per year, or $36.2 per hour.
Geodetic Surveyor (Open Continuous)

$49K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 536 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 50 rated military and defense


Job description

Geodetic Surveyors perform geodetic, geophysical, and GC-LiDAR surveys. They use, maintain, and troubleshoot survey equipment, and compute, adjust, and evaluate geodetic and geophysical (G&G) survey data. They provide technical expertise on G&G issues to customers and represent NGA in external community forums.

Qualifications:

MANDATORY QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: For this particular job, applicants must meet all competencies reflected under the Mandatory Qualification Criteria to include education (if required). Online resumes must demonstrate qualification by providing specific examples and associated results, in response to the announcement's mandatory criteria specified in this vacancy announcement:
1. Knowledge of best practices with operating Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, data collectors, electronic/robotic total stations, and/or terrestrial/mobile LiDAR.
2. Experience conducting basic scientific or statistical analysis to interpret data and draw appropriate conclusions.
3. Experience engaging with teammates to support a common goal.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: A. Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Geodesy, Mathematics, Physical Science, or a related discipline that includes at least 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework in any combination of Astronomy, Cartography, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Geodesy, Geodetic Surveying, Geology, Geomatics, Geophysics, Geographic Information Systems, Mathematics, Meteorology, Orbital Mechanics, Photogrammetry, Physical Science, Physics, Remote Sensing, or Surveying. Coursework must include differential and integral calculus. -OR- B. Combination of Education and Experience: A minimum of 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework in any area listed in option A, plus appropriate experience conducting work related to Civil Engineering, Geodesy, Geophysics, Geotechnical Analysis, Surveying, or a related field that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties associated with this work. As a rule, every 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework is equivalent to one year of experience. Candidates should show that their combination of education and experience totals 4 years. -AND- LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: Registration as a Professional Engineer or Land Surveyor is highly desirable.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over; Straight pulling; Pushing; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Use of hands; Walking; Prolonged periods of standing; Crawling; Kneeling; Repeated bending; Climbing, use of legs and arms; Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle; Depth perception; Hearing (aid permitted); Distinguish principal colors and shades/hues of principal colors; Near visual acuity of 20/20 or better with or without corrective lenses; Far visual acuity of 20/30 or better binocular with or without corrective lenses
ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENT: Working outside and inside; Working around excessive noise, intermittent; Exposure to fumes, smoke, or gases; Working around slippery or uneven walking surfaces; Working around machinery with moving parts; Working around moving objects or vehicles; Working on ladders or scaffolding; Working below ground; Repetitive physical tasks; Working in harsh environments

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: In addition to the mandatory qualifications, experience in the following is desired:
1. Experience operating Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, data collectors, electronic/robotic total stations, and/or terrestrial/mobile LiDAR.
2. Experience collecting, processing, and/or analyzing LIDAR data utilizing terrestrial, mobile, and/or airborne LiDAR platforms.
3. Experience collecting, processing, and/or analyzing geophysical data, such as gravity, magnetics, or astronomic positions or azimuths.
4. Knowledge of GNSS baseline processing and/or least squares adjustment software.
5. Experience performing field work in harsh environmental conditions.

Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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