1

Survey Instrument Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Survey Instrument Technician information

See salary details

$15

$30

$46

How much do survey instrument technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 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.

What is a survey instrument technician?

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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a survey instrument technician?

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.

How much do survey instrument 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, often working with precision tools and calibration equipment.
More about Survey Instrument Technician jobs

What states have the most Survey Instrument Technician jobs?

States with the most job openings for Survey Instrument Technician jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Survey Instrument Technician jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Survey Instrument Technician jobs are:

Infographic showing various Survey Instrument Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,743 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Survey Instrument Technician

Penn Environmental and Remediation, Inc.

Pittsburgh, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Job Description:
At Penn E&R, we empower professionals to create lasting, positive impact through environmental remediation, civil engineering design, and regulatory guidance that protect ecosystems, restore land, and improve infrastructure. Whether you're cleaning up a former industrial site or designing a stormwater management system for a new development, your work here contributes to a safer, more sustainable world.
Bring your creativity, resourcefulness, and drive to Penn E&R, where every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and lead. Ready to take on what's next? Let's make it happen together!
We are seeking a Survey Instrument Technician for our Pittsburgh, PA office (open to a hybrid work-from-home schedule).
You will bring your self-motivation, flexibility and strong work ethic in performing your duties with minimal supervision. You must be dedicated to working in a safety-first environment. This position is primarily a field survey position, however, candidates will be expected to perform office tasks and support other service lines as appropriate. Projects will be primarily located in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, but national travel in support of projects may be necessary. This position will report to the Director of Civil Survey.
Qualifications:
In this role, you need the ability to understand, execute and communicate project requirements or procedures to co-workers professionally and effectively. You will need strong technical and organizational skills with the ability to give and receive direction. Additional qualifications include but are not limited to the following:
  • Technical knowledge of land survey practices and techniques for a wide diversity or survey types, including a strong technical background in algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience as an Instrument Technician or Associates Degree in Surveying and 1 year experience with various types of land survey projects including boundary, subdivision, topographic, construction stakeout, as-built, pipelines.
  • Physically able to perform duties in the field or office on various types of terrain, locations, climates and weather conditions. This work may include lifting or carrying equipment weighing up to 75 pounds.
  • Proficiency with Total Station/data collector Levels, Survey and Mapping Grade GPS equipment (preferably Trimble).
  • Knowledge of survey tasks associated to Oil & Gas projects including pipeline route development, construction methods, as-built, well pad/unit surveys and construction a plus.
  • Familiarity with Survey Pro, Trimble Access preferred. Autodesk Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, Trimble Pathfinder Office a plus.

Duties:
You will act as instrument operator, rod person, or other as needed to perform various types of projects such as boundary, topographic, right of way, control, pipeline, construction, as-built, and ALTA/ACSM surveys. Survey Instrument Technicians may have direct interaction with Clients or their representatives. Additional duties may include but are not limited to the following:
  • One person survey crew utilizing GPS or Robotic equipment.
  • Serve as environmental crew member supporting crew lead with GPS mapping, documentation or various tasks as required.
  • Perform research of public records.
  • Reduction of field notes, brush cutting, digging, staking, etc.
  • Complete company or client required documentation such as field logs, safety procedures, notes, etc.
  • Certify the documentation of collected field data, notes and sketches meets accuracy and survey standards.
  • Take responsibility for all issued survey equipment and provide regular maintenance and calibration.
  • Enforce safety practices.
  • Deed plotting, data processing, drafting, etc.

Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent, (SIT, technical school or college a plus).
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Pre-employment DOT drug and alcohol screenings and enrollment in random testing program are conditions of employment.
  • Willingness to travel with extended overnight stays as project needs develop.
  • Strong communication skills.

We know that great work happens when people feel supported both on and off the job. That's why we offer balance and benefits that support you.
  • Competitive compensation and performance-based bonuses
  • Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits
  • Paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible
  • A strong commitment to field and office safety
  • A stable, growing company with local roots and regional impact

Penn E&R, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regards to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability or any other protected categories. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given an equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.