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How much do survey instrument technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for survey instrument technician in the United States is $30.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $35.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do survey technicians make in the US?

Survey instrument technicians in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level technicians may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially if working with advanced surveying tools and equipment.

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

To thrive as a Survey Instrument Technician, you need a solid understanding of surveying principles, mathematics, and spatial measurements, often supported by a relevant associate degree or technical training. Familiarity with GPS equipment, total stations, data collectors, and CAD software is essential, and some employers may require certifications such as CST (Certified Survey Technician). Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills set successful technicians apart. These competencies ensure the accuracy and reliability of survey data, supporting the success of engineering, construction, and land development projects.

What is a Survey Instrument Technician job?

A Survey Instrument Technician is responsible for maintaining, calibrating, and operating surveying equipment used in construction, mapping, and land assessment. They ensure instruments such as total stations, GPS receivers, and levels function accurately for precise measurements. Technicians may also assist surveyors in the field by setting up equipment and troubleshooting any technical issues. Their role is essential in ensuring accurate data collection for engineering, infrastructure, and land development projects.

What does a survey instrument operator do?

A survey instrument operator is responsible for setting up, calibrating, and operating surveying equipment such as total stations, GPS units, and levels to collect accurate field data. They assist surveyors in gathering measurements for mapping, construction, or land development projects, often working outdoors and following safety protocols. Proficiency with technical tools and attention to detail are essential for this role.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Survey Instrument Technician?

Survey Instrument Technicians are responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining precise measuring equipment during land and construction surveys. Each day, you might assist licensed surveyors with field measurements, collect and log data for mapping, and check the calibration and functionality of instruments to ensure accurate results. You may also spend time both outdoors gathering measurements and indoors processing survey data using specialized software. Collaboration with survey teams, engineers, and project managers is common, making clear communication and coordination key aspects of the role.

What is the highest paid technician job?

Among technician roles, specialized fields such as aerospace, nuclear, or petroleum technicians tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually. Survey Instrument Technicians typically earn lower wages compared to these highly specialized or advanced technician roles, which may require additional certifications or advanced technical skills.

How do you become a survey technician?

To become a survey instrument technician, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, along with training or experience in surveying equipment and techniques. Many employers prefer candidates with technical training or certifications in surveying or related fields, and on-the-job training is common to develop specific skills with survey instruments and data collection tools.
More about Survey Instrument Technician jobs
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What job categories do people searching Survey Instrument Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Survey Instrument Technician jobs are:
Survey Instrument Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Survey Instrument Technician job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,743 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Survey Instrument Technician

Raya Workforce

Mansfield, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Survey Instrument Technician
Location: Mansfield, PA (Hybrid work option available)
Type: Full-time, Direct Hire

About the Company
Our client is a well-established environmental and civil engineering services provider. Their projects include environmental remediation, land and site development, surveying, and infrastructure improvements across Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and beyond. With a strong commitment to sustainability and safety, they deliver practical solutions that protect ecosystems, restore land, and support community growth.

Position Overview
This is a full-time, direct-hire opportunity for a Survey Instrument Technician to join the civil survey team in Mansfield, PA. The role is primarily field-based with some office responsibilities. The technician will support diverse survey projects, including boundary, topographic, subdivision, construction stakeout, as-built, and pipeline surveys. Occasional regional and national travel may be required. The position reports to the Director of Civil Survey.

Responsibilities

  • Operate survey instruments and act as rod person or crew member on boundary, topographic, right-of-way, control, pipeline, construction, as-built, and ALTA/ACSM surveys

  • Perform one-person survey crew duties using GPS or robotic equipment

  • Assist environmental crews with GPS mapping, documentation, and field support tasks

  • Research public records for survey data and assist with deed plotting and drafting

  • Perform brush cutting, digging, staking, and related fieldwork as needed

  • Maintain accurate field logs, sketches, and safety documentation to company and client standards

  • Ensure all survey equipment is properly maintained and calibrated

  • Support office work such as data reduction, plotting, and documentation when needed

  • Follow and enforce company safety procedures in all activities

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent required; SIT, technical school, or college degree in surveying preferred

  • Minimum 2 years of experience as a Survey Instrument Technician, or associate’s degree in surveying with 1+ years of experience

  • Strong knowledge of survey practices, with solid background in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry

  • Proficiency with survey equipment (Total Station, data collectors, GPS equipment – Trimble preferred)

  • Familiarity with software such as Survey Pro, Trimble Access, Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, or Trimble Pathfinder Office a plus

  • Experience with oil and gas survey tasks (pipelines, well pads, construction surveys) preferred

  • Physically able to perform duties in varied terrain and weather conditions; able to lift up to 75 lbs

  • Valid driver’s license with ability to pass DOT drug/alcohol screenings (including random testing)

  • Willingness to travel and stay overnight for projects as needed

  • Strong communication and teamwork skills

What’s Offered

  • Competitive compensation with performance-based bonuses

  • Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits

  • Paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible

  • Direct-hire placement with long-term career stability

  • A company culture focused on safety, growth, and regional impact