ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Subsurface Utility Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSubsurface Utility Jobs

Subsurface Utility information

See salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do subsurface utility jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for subsurface utility in the United States is $16.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Subsurface utility jobs such as utility locator or survey technician can pay around $10,000 a month with experience and specialized skills. These roles often require technical knowledge, certifications, and fieldwork but do not always require a college degree.

What does an underground utility worker do?

An underground utility worker installs, maintains, and repairs underground infrastructure such as water, gas, sewer, and electrical lines. They use specialized tools like excavation equipment, locate utilities to prevent damage, and often work in confined or outdoor environments, following safety protocols and requiring knowledge of relevant codes and certifications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Subsurface Utility roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Subsurface Utility roles often encounter challenges such as accurately locating underground utilities, interpreting complex site plans, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders to avoid service disruptions. These challenges can be addressed through rigorous training in utility detection technologies, effective communication with project teams, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards. Staying updated with the latest industry practices and leveraging advanced geophysical tools also helps mitigate risks and improve the accuracy of utility mapping.

What is the difference between Subsurface Utility vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectSubsurface UtilityGeotechnical Engineer
CredentialsUtility locating certifications, survey trainingEngineering degree, geotechnical certifications
Work EnvironmentField surveys, utility mapping sitesSite investigations, soil testing labs
Industry UsageConstruction, infrastructure projectsFoundation design, earthworks

Subsurface Utility professionals focus on locating and mapping underground utilities, while Geotechnical Engineers analyze soil and rock properties for construction stability. Both roles are essential in construction projects but differ in their specific focus and expertise areas.

What are subsurface utility engineers?

Subsurface utility engineers are professionals who specialize in identifying, mapping, and managing underground utilities such as water pipes, gas lines, electrical cables, and telecommunications infrastructure. They use advanced technologies like ground-penetrating radar, electromagnetic equipment, and surveying methods to locate utilities that are not visible on the surface. Their work is critical in construction and infrastructure projects to prevent accidental damage, ensure public safety, and comply with legal requirements. Subsurface utility engineers often collaborate with civil engineers, construction teams, and local authorities to provide accurate utility data before excavation or development work begins.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Subsurface Utility Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Subsurface Utility Engineer, a solid background in civil engineering, utility mapping, and geospatial analysis is essential, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure (such as PE or EIT). Familiarity with tools like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), AutoCAD, GIS software, and SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering) standards is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals collaborate with project teams and convey complex findings. These competencies are vital to ensure accurate utility location, reduce project risks, and maintain public safety during construction activities.

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

In the field of subsurface utility work, high-paying roles such as senior geotechnical engineers, project managers, or specialized consultants can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require expertise in subsurface mapping, utility detection technologies, and project oversight. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and company size.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Subsurface utility jobs that can pay around $2,000 a day typically involve specialized consulting, engineering, or project management roles in the construction or energy sectors. These positions often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and work in high-demand environments such as offshore drilling, large-scale infrastructure projects, or complex surveying tasks.
More about Subsurface Utility jobs
What cities are hiring for Subsurface Utility jobs? Cities with the most Subsurface Utility job openings:
What states have the most Subsurface Utility jobs? States with the most job openings for Subsurface Utility jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Subsurface Utility jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Subsurface Utility jobs are:
Subsurface Utility jobs near you
Infographic showing various Subsurface Utility job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 23% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,584 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Subsurface Utility Engineering Technician

Prairie Engineers

Springfield, IL • On-site

$19 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Prairie Engineers is seeking an experienced SUE Technician to join our team!

Join a collaborative team that fuels your growth and rewards your dedication. We're a team looking to make a lasting impact and want people who embrace challenges, drive change, and help shape our collective future. If that's you, let's connect! Prairie Engineers is a growing and progressive business. You will find opportunities for career advancement, a diverse range of clients, and varied projects across the nation. You can expect mentoring and guidance from us as part of your professional development. The ideal candidate will reside within a one-hour commute of one of our St. Louis MO area offices and be willing to work long days outdoors in adverse weather conditions.

What you will Do:
  • Read and interpret utility plans/maps to identify the type and size of subsurface utilities.
  • Maintain and operate various utility designating equipment to locate and mark subsurface utilities within prescribed accuracy limits.
  • Maintain and operate vacuum excavation equipment to expose (test hole) targeted utilities.
  • Collect field data, create sketches, take photos, and complete checklists to document investigation findings.
  • Produce detailed, accurate, and reliable field data and reports.
  • Communicate and coordinate with coworkers, clients, and utility representatives.
  • Participate in QA/QC project reviews.
    • What you Need:
  • Experience: 2+years of experience in SUE or 3+years in private locating experience; demonstrated experience with multiple utility types and operating a variety of relevant utility detection tools; addition of surveying experience with CAD software and GIS applications is a plus.
  • Software: Microsoft Office Suite; ability to quickly learn and understand new software.
  • Knowledge: SUE principles, utility types, advanced designating methods; basic understanding of construction plans, maps and engineering drawings.
  • Travel: Able to travel and work nights/weekends as project schedules require.
  • Safety: Valid driver's license with insurable driving record; able to pass background check, preemployment and random drug screens; able to walk equivalent of several miles daily and lift up to 80bls. consistently.
    • How you Align:
  • People Focused: Professional, respectful, and teamoriented, with a strong work ethic and the ability to collaborate internally and externally.
  • Can Do Attitude: Positively engages with challenges, facilitates problemsolving, and takes initiative to deliver solutions.
  • Responsive: Communicates openly, proactively, and promptly, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

    • Salary range $19.00 - $30.00 per hour determined by education, experience, licensure, and knowledge/skills/abilities of the applicant, as well as internal and external benchmarking.

    Check out the Careers page at prairieengineers.com for details on the generous benefits package available, including 401(k), medical insurance, professional development, and to find out why employees chose to join our team.

    Prairie Engineers is an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of diversity. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information (including family medical history), or any other legally protected status.

    Potential candidates for this position should include cover letter and resume with application. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. However, we are not able to sponsor visas for this position.

Apply