I am currently majoring in Civil Engineering(Sophomore), but I am still able to switch majors. My school has a very good GIS major program and I am wondering if GIS would be better for a surveying career, or if Civil Engineering is still a good major for the field. Thank you in advance.
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Surveying and Mapping Technicians (this does not include licensed professionals):
Summary
$18.22 per hour
What Surveying and Mapping Technicians Do
Surveying and mapping technicians assist surveyors and cartographers in collecting data and making maps of the earth’s surface. Surveying technicians visit sites to take measurements of the land. Mapping technicians use geographic data to create maps.
Work Environment
Surveying technicians work outside extensively and can be exposed to all types of weather. Mapping technicians work primarily indoors on computers. Most surveying and mapping technicians work for firms that provide engineering, surveying, and mapping services on a contract basis. State and local governments also employ these workers in highway and planning departments.
How to Become a Surveying or Mapping Technician
Surveying technicians usually need a high school diploma. However, mapping technicians often need formal education after high school to study advances in geographic information system (GIS) technology.
Pay
The median annual wage of surveying and mapping technicians was $37,900 in May 2010.
Job Outlook
Employment of surveying and mapping technicians is expected to grow 16 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Recent advancements in mapping technology have led to new uses for maps and a need for more of the data used to build maps.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surveying and mapping technicians with similar occupations.
O*NET
O*NET provides comprehensive information on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Contacts for More Information
Learn more about surveying and mapping technicians by contacting these additional resources.
SUGGESTED CITATION:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Surveying and Mapping Technicians,
on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/surveying-and-m... (visited April 03, 2013).
Interesting question, Mr McCollum!
In my opinion, all of the majors you are pondering have great potential.
You need to choose the path that best fits what you want to be doing, perhaps for the rest of your life. (No pressure :) ) I was at the mercy of the job market when I finished college. The best paying job for my particular degree was in Land Surveying. I was not, am not, and probably never will be qualified for a career in Civil Engineering. GIS, on the other hand, didn't exist in my time of taking one path or another toward a career preference.
Imagine yourself as a Civil Engineer, Land Surveyor, or GIS professional. Go to companies in your area that specialize in these professions (majors) and ask to interview the president of the company, as a student who is curious about the (particular) profession to ask him or her for advice. There is about a 90% chance that you will get that interview because the president probably wants to interview you as much as you want to interview him or her. Company owners and executives are some of the proudest people in the world, and they are truly concerned about what they will eventually leave behind as their "legacy". Their favorite topic is their company. Ask as many questions about their company as you can, but base it on your research of the company online. This will be your best method of discovering your professional self.