Land Surveyor
Use GPS, drones and total stations to measure land for construction and infrastructure projects.
This UK land surveyor career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £24,000 - £32,000
- Mid-career salary
- £36,000 - £52,000
- Senior salary
- £60,000 - £85,000
- Work environment
- Field + office
- Time to entry
- 1 - 4 years
- Degree required
- Often helpful
- Category
- Green Energy and Sustainability
What a Land Surveyor does
Use GPS, drones and total stations to measure land for construction and infrastructure projects.
- Topographic Survey - Detailed topo surveys for design teams.
- Setting Out - Setting out on construction sites.
- Laser Scanning - 3D laser scan and BIM deliverables.
- Measured Building Survey - Detailed surveys of existing buildings.
How to become a Land Surveyor
- Look up Land Surveyor roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Land Surveyor - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Total station / GPS
- CAD
- Drone surveying
- Reporting
- Driving licence