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Surveyor

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AVG. SALARY

$71,920

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EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

Military Options

Get paid to get a career. That's what the military can offer you. Take a moment to review related potential military careers.

Surveying, Mapping, and Drafting Technicians (Enlisted)

Opportunities

Surveying, mapping, and drafting technicians help determine, describe, and record geographic areas or features. They conduct land surveys, take measurements, make maps, and prepare detailed plans and drawings for construction projects. They are also sometimes called upon to provide maps and surveys that locate military targets and help plot troop movements. These technicians play key roles in the field of geospatial information.


Training Provided

Surveying, mapping, and drafting technicians in the Military will gain skills through classroom study, simulated combat conditions, and on-the-job experience.

  • Surveying and drafting techniques
  • Geospatial interpretation
  • Architectural and structural drawing
  • Methods of computing target locations
  • Artillery tactics and field combat strategy
  • Ammunition-handling techniques
  • Gun, missile and rocket system operations
  • Aerial photo interpretation

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training.


Earnings

Officers in the military can progress through ten officer pay grades during their careers. Pay grade and length of service determine an officer's pay. Most newly commissioned officers begin at pay grade O-1 ($39,446/year basic pay in 2023). With certain professional qualifications, officers may enter at a higher pay grade. After two years, officers generally move up to O-2 ($51,762/year basic pay in 2023). After an additional two years, the military generally promotes officers to O-3 ($70,167/year basic pay in 2023) if job performance and other requirements are met. Cost-of-living increases usually occur once a year. Many officers and their families live free of charge in military housing on the base where they are assigned. Those living off base receive a housing allowance in addition to their basic pay. Officers also receive a monthly food allowance. These allowances, and associated tax savings, are substantial additions to basic pay. Other employment benefits for military officers include free health care, 30 days paid vacation each year, legal assistance, education assistance, military store privileges, and an excellent retirement program.


Services offering this occupation

Air Force


Army


Marine Corps


Navy


Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support