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Instrument Man Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Instrument Man information

See Washington salary details

$15

$23

$41

How much do instrument man jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument man in Washington is $23.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $23.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kind of surveyor makes the most money?

In surveying, boundary surveyors and geospatial surveyors with advanced certifications and specialized skills tend to earn higher salaries. Experienced surveyors working in urban or industrial environments, often using advanced equipment like GPS and total stations, typically make the most money. Certification and years of experience also significantly impact earning potential.

What is a career that uses instruments?

An Instrument Man is a professional who operates and maintains surveying instruments such as levels, total stations, and theodolites to measure and map land. This role is essential in construction, engineering, and land development projects, requiring technical skills and knowledge of surveying tools. Certification and experience with precision instruments are often necessary for this career.

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

To thrive as an Instrument Man, you need a solid understanding of land surveying principles, precise measurement skills, and typically a high school diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with survey instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, data collectors, and relevant software is essential. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work well in a team are crucial soft skills for success. These qualities ensure accurate data collection and efficient collaboration in dynamic, field-based environments.

What is an Instrument Man job?

An Instrument Man is a key member of a land surveying or engineering team responsible for operating and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, and levels. They assist the surveyor in collecting accurate field data for construction, mapping, and boundary determination. Their duties include setting up equipment, recording measurements, and ensuring data accuracy. This role requires precision, attention to detail, and familiarity with surveying techniques and tools.

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

In the US, high-paying roles related to the job of an Instrument Man are rare, with most salaries significantly below $500,000 annually. Typically, top executives, specialized engineers, or business owners earn such high incomes, but instrument-related roles usually have lower compensation levels. Achieving a $500,000 salary often requires advanced certifications, extensive experience, or leadership positions in large organizations.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

For an Instrument Man, high-paying media-related jobs are uncommon, as the role is typically in construction or engineering fields. However, in media production, senior roles such as executive producers, directors, or specialized technical managers with extensive experience and skills in equipment and project management can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $150,000 annually.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Instrument Man on a survey crew?

An Instrument Man is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining various surveying instruments to collect accurate data in the field. Daily tasks include assisting the Survey Party Chief in taking measurements, recording field notes, and ensuring equipment is properly calibrated and positioned. The role often involves working outdoors in varying weather conditions and requires close collaboration with other team members. Attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions precisely are vital for ensuring data integrity and the success of the overall survey project.

What are popular job titles related to Instrument Man jobs in Washington? For Instrument Man jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Instrument Man jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Instrument Man jobs in Washington are:
Instrument Man jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrument Man job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,054 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Survey Field Technician - Instrument Operator

CARDINAL CIVIL RESOURCES

Manassas, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Salary: $17-$22 Hourly DOE

About This Role:

Cardinal Civil Resources is currently looking for an employee with high integrity and excellent attention to detail to fill a position as a Survey Field Technician Instrument Operator. Travel will be required from time to time at different job sites. You must be familiar with all surveying techniques used for pipeline surveying.

Responsibilities:

As a Survey Field Technician, you will:

Work in group environments

Work within defined project scopes and budgets

Ensure Safety and Health are the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes. Acting safely at all times

Participate in or conduct and document safety meetings with the crew daily. Host or assist with morning safety meetings. Bring safety and proper working procedure topics up as reminders and ensure all workers are comfortable with the tasks assigned to them by reviewing their day plan

Mentor less experienced employees and train them in proper company standards as well as ensure more experienced employees are helping to mentor green workers in proper company standards

Maintains digital files on assigned computer equipment to assure use of correct and current data files

Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and construction documents

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Operate electronic total station instrument run and adjust survey measuring instruments, including level, transit, theodolite, electronic measuring devices, and total stations with electronic data collecting capabilities

Take field notes of readings and observations

Operate and maintain vehicle and field equipment

Know and perform field principles of staking and marking

Perform other related field and office duties as assigned

Work primarily in the field on control, topographic surveys, and pipeline surveys as Instrument Man/Rodman of one, two, or three-person field crew

Cut and remove brush and undergrowth for a line of sight

Reads and understands plans and specifications

Know basic sources of measurement errors

Dig ground using a pick, shovel, and other hand tools to search for and locate survey monuments

Hold and plum rod in obtaining elevations and distances

Drive stakes to set grades on construction projects

Provide solutions to civil site design challenges

Topographical surveys

Boundary surveys

Well connect pipelines surveys

Pipeline route staking

Establish and recover survey control and monumentation, perform construction layout, obtain sewer invert and subsurface utility information and photo documentation of the project area

Qualifications:

EDUCATION: A high school education or equivalent is required, including a background in math, geometry, and trigonometry.

EXPERIENCE: Land Surveying experience

KNOWLEDGE OF:

  • Controlling the function of surveying instruments and calculators
  • Proficiency in the use of total stations, GPS Receivers, and data collectors
  • Possess good interpersonal skills and effective written and oral communication skills
  • Analyzing site plans, project plans, blueprints, maps, and charts.

ABILITIES:

Must be able and willing to travel daily.

Must have good written and verbal communication skills.

Must be highly motivated with the ability to work independently and with a team.

Must have essential requirements: professionalism, punctuality, and reliability.

Must possess strong attention to detail and an intense level of accuracy.

  • Must be able to work in inclement weather
  • Must have Reliable Transportation
  • Background Check and Drug Testing Required

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES:

Valid drivers license with insurable record

CST or Survey Apprenticeship Preferred


Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential function of this job successfully:

Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 25/50/80 pounds regularly/occasionally

Must be able to drive a vehicle safely regular/occasionally

Must be able to work in inclement weather conditions.

Must be able to deal effectively and reasonably with stress in the workplace without lost time or undue strain

Must be able to sit, walk, talk, and hear for extended periods of time

Must be able to type/key-in data and answer telephones frequently as needed

Must have specific vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to focus

Must be able to see and respond to dangerous situations

Must be able to wear personal protective gear regularly/occasionally

Physical ability work including bending, squatting, reaching, stretching, sitting, standing, running, and climbing stairs

Must adhere to company policies, safety plan, and the project safety plan

About Us:

Cardinal Civil Resources (CCR) is a fun, productive business dedicated to the success of our employees, clients, and our communities. With our rapid growth and several strategic acquisitions, there is an excellent opportunity to begin a fulfilling and rewarding career at CCR. Our success depends on attracting the best talent and continuously striving to improve what we do and how we do it.

EEO Statement:

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.