Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Surveyor is a professional who measures and maps the Earth's surface, primarily for the purposes of land development, construction, and mapping. They determine property boundaries, create land maps, and prepare sites for construction based on legal and design requirements.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Internship/residency
Projected Growth: 4.6% (above average)
Annual job openings: 3 900
Direct AI exposure: 13% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 73% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Land Surveyors. According to the wage tables, average income is $88K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $60K per year | $69K per year | $88K per year | $104K per year | $126K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $23K above the national average. | ||||
Surveyors split their time between office work, where they plan and analyze their findings, and fieldwork, where they physically measure land and environments. They often work in various locations, from cities to remote areas, and may work in different weather conditions. Travel to sites, sometimes in rugged terrain, is a common aspect of the job.
Surveyors play a crucial role in land development and construction, ensuring accurate measurements for legal and building purposes. They use a variety of tools, including traditional instruments and advanced technology like GPS and GIS systems, to gather and analyze data about the land. Their work is essential for various projects, including residential and commercial construction, road building, and government land use planning.
The occupation requires a combination of outdoor fieldwork and indoor analysis. Surveyors must be comfortable working outdoors, sometimes in challenging conditions, and be skilled in using technical equipment and software for data analysis. Attention to detail is critical, as the measurements and data they provide form the legal basis for land transactions and development.
Surveyors need strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think spatially. They often work on teams with other professionals, so good communication and collaboration skills are important. The profession offers a unique blend of physical outdoor work, technical challenges, and legal responsibilities.
Becoming a Surveyor typically requires a bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, or a related field, which usually involves about four years of post-secondary education. In Canada, surveyors must be licensed by a provincial regulatory body, which generally requires completing a period of articled professional experience and passing professional examinations administered by the provincial land surveyors' association.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
