How to become a Surveying Technician
Collects and records survey data using surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, levels and laser scanners. Analyses survey data to develop plans and reports in support of Surveyors.
Main tasks
- Prepares sketches used to place physical markers on land to define the accurate position of features such as existing property boundaries, proposed building layouts, utilities and road margins on building, construction and mine sites
- Processes data and makes calculations recorded from fieldwork and surveys to prepare detail and feature plans, maps and technical reports
- Maintains and calibrates surveying equipment to ensure accuracy
- Analyses, interprets and manipulates survey data to create 2D and 3D models using CAD and BIM to support Architects and Civil Engineering Professionals
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Diploma of Surveying (CPP50121); Advanced Diploma of Surveying (CPP60121); Diploma of Spatial Information Services (CPP50221); Certificate III in Surveying and Spatial Information Services (CPP30221); Certificate II in Surveying and Spatial Information Services (CPP20121); Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services (CPP41721); Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying (CPC60121)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $118,560 a year
- About 84,200 people work in this job group now, and about 96,100 are projected by 2035. (+14.2%)
- Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a Surveying Technician?
Ways in include: Diploma of Surveying; Advanced Diploma of Surveying.
How much does a Surveying Technician earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $118,560 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Surveying Technician a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 14% by 2035, from about 84,200 to about 96,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Surveying Technician?
Not always. 30% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Diploma of Surveying; Advanced Diploma of Surveying.
Will AI change the work of a Surveying Technician?
Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04