Surveying and mapping technicians
SOC Code: 17-3031
Surveying and mapping technicians carries a 54% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $51,940 and +4.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 59,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 54% AI exposure, Surveying and mapping technicians sits 17 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 91% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Surveying and mapping technicians sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Surveying and mapping technicians has ai exposure of 54%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Surveying and mapping technicians vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Surveying and mapping technicians is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Surveying and mapping technicians (SOC 17-3031) carries an AI exposure score of 54%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 59,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.5% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $51,940, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Surveying and mapping technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Position and hold the vertical rods, or targets, that theodolite operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations.
- 2. Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.
- 3. Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.
- 4. Monitor mapping work or the updating of maps to ensure accuracy, inclusion of new or changed information, or compliance with rules and regulations.
- 5. Produce or update overlay maps to show information boundaries, water locations, or topographic features on various base maps or at different scales.
- 6. Determine scales, line sizes, or colors to be used for hard copies of computerized maps, using plotters.
- 7. Compile information necessary to stake projects for construction, using engineering plans.
- 8. Identify and compile database information to create requested maps.
- 9. Operate and manage land-information computer systems, performing tasks such as storing data, making inquiries, and producing plots and reports.
- 10. Compare survey computations with applicable standards to determine adequacy of data.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Active Learning
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- Computers and Electronics
- Geography
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- Law and Government
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Surveying and mapping technicians?
Surveying and mapping technicians has an AI exposure score of 54%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Surveying and mapping technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Surveying and mapping technicians is projected to grow by 4.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 59,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Surveying and mapping technicians?
Key skills for Surveying and mapping technicians include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Surveying and mapping technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Surveying and mapping technicians is $51,940, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Surveying and mapping technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Surveying and mapping technicians is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Surveying and mapping technicians?
Surveying and mapping technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).