Surveying Technician

A surveying technician conducts field measurements and collects spatial data at construction sites, property boundaries, and infrastructure projects across Australia using specialised equipment. They operate total stations, GPS receivers, and levels to record precise measurements, then process and verify this data using surveying software to produce technical drawings and survey plans. Working under the direction of a surveyor, they support land development, construction, and engineering projects that must comply with Australian standards and regulations.

Set up and calibrate surveying instruments including total stations, GPS receivers, and optical levels at survey sites. Record horizontal and vertical measurements from survey points using total stations and manually document readings on field sheets. Establish temporary benchmarks and reference points using surveying techniques to anchor survey networks. Collect GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) data using dual-frequency GPS receivers and post-process corrections through Australian reference stations. Perform rapid static or real-time kinematic (RTK) GPS surveys to capture point clouds and terrain data for mapping. Carry and position surveying poles, staffs, and reflective targets at measurement locations as directed. Input field measurements into surveying software such as Leica Captivate, Trimble Access, or equivalent to generate preliminary plans and coordinates. Verify survey data accuracy by comparing readings against previous surveys and identifying discrepancies or outliers.

The standard entry pathway requires a diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree (ABS skill level 2). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

You'll need formal qualifications (diploma or advanced diploma) before employers hire you, which takes 1 to 2 years. The work is physically demanding: you're carrying heavy gear, standing in all weather, and working on active construction sites with safety risks.

Regional areas have fewer positions but less competition. Surveying follows construction activity, so work concentrates wherever major infrastructure and development projects run.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 3121, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Attention to Detailcore
• Conduct land surveyscore
• Data Entry and Accuracycore
• Digital Literacycore
• Mathematicscore
• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiencycore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Quality Assurance and Checkingcore
• Record Managementcore
• Regulatory and Legislative Awarenesscore
• Report Writingcore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Stakeholder Communicationcore
• Technical drawingscore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Use CAD softwarecore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Adjust engineering designs
• Basic Arithmetic and Numerical Accuracy
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Electronic Document Management
• Engineering principles
• Engineering processes
• Policy and Procedure Adherence
• Process Documentation
• Risk Identification
• Team Collaboration

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026