ConsultaPedia Logo

Political Science Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Political Science Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For people interested in government, policy, or law who want a flexible pre-professional foundation. Use the tools below to see which political science roles fit your background and goals.

This major serves as a common pre-law and public-policy pathway, valued for analytical writing and understanding of government systems. Use the tools below to explore Political Science-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like Legislative Aide, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Policy Analyst or Attorney (post-law school). Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as None formally required; often paired with law school or an MPA, that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Political Science careers/jobs, (2) Find Political Science job listings, (3) Prepare for Political Science careers, and (4) Provide Political Science career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Political Science careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Political Science Careers - 2023 to 2033 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Political Science careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Political Science, so relevant Political Science jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Political Science Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Political Science Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Political Science careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 35 Political Science Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

17 Political Science careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2023 to 2033 est.). Political Science-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033 (% change) Political Science-Related Jobs

Statisticians 35.4% Analytical Statistician; Applied Statistician; Environmental Statistician; Mathematical Statistician; Research Statistician; Survey Statistician; Time Study Statistician
Occupation: Statisticians U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 35.4% Political Science-Related Jobs: Analytical Statistician; Applied Statistician; Environmental Statistician; Mathematical Statistician; Research Statistician; Survey Statistician; Time Study Statistician
Information Security Analysts 33.3% Cyber Policy and Strategy Planner
Occupation: Information Security Analysts U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 33.3% Political Science-Related Jobs: Cyber Policy and Strategy Planner
Fundraisers 15.9% Capital Campaign Fundraiser
Occupation: Fundraisers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 15.9% Political Science-Related Jobs: Capital Campaign Fundraiser
Advertising and Promotions Managers 10.3% Ad Campaign Manager (Advertising Campaign Manager)
Occupation: Advertising and Promotions Managers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 10.3% Political Science-Related Jobs: Ad Campaign Manager (Advertising Campaign Manager)
Registered Nurses 9% Registered Public Health Nurse
Occupation: Registered Nurses U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 9% Political Science-Related Jobs: Registered Public Health Nurse
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary 8.7% Adjunct Political Science Instructor; Adjunct Political Science Professor; Public Policy Professor
Occupation: Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.7% Political Science-Related Jobs: Adjunct Political Science Instructor; Adjunct Political Science Professor; Public Policy Professor
Political Scientists 8.6% Health Policy Analyst; Legislative Policy Analyst; Medical Policy Analyst; Project Policy Analyst
Occupation: Political Scientists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.6% Political Science-Related Jobs: Health Policy Analyst; Legislative Policy Analyst; Medical Policy Analyst; Project Policy Analyst
Statistical Assistants 7.9% Advertising Statistical Clerk
Occupation: Statistical Assistants U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7.9% Political Science-Related Jobs: Advertising Statistical Clerk
Anthropologists and Archeologists 7.4% American Indian Policy Specialist; Public Policy Specialist
Occupation: Anthropologists and Archeologists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7.4% Political Science-Related Jobs: American Indian Policy Specialist; Public Policy Specialist
Insurance Sales Agents 7% Cyber Insurance Policy Specialist
Occupation: Insurance Sales Agents U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7% Political Science-Related Jobs: Cyber Insurance Policy Specialist
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary 6.8% Environmental Science Management and Policy Professor
Occupation: Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6.8% Political Science-Related Jobs: Environmental Science Management and Policy Professor
Urban and Regional Planners 6.8% Sustainable Development Policy Analyst
Occupation: Urban and Regional Planners U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6.8% Political Science-Related Jobs: Sustainable Development Policy Analyst
Conservation Scientists 6.1% Conservation Policy Analyst
Occupation: Conservation Scientists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6.1% Political Science-Related Jobs: Conservation Policy Analyst
Budget Analysts 4.8% Budget and Policy Analyst
Occupation: Budget Analysts U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 4.8% Political Science-Related Jobs: Budget and Policy Analyst
Survey Researchers 4.3% Survey Statistician
Occupation: Survey Researchers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 4.3% Political Science-Related Jobs: Survey Statistician
Surveyors 1.6% Registered Public Surveyor
Occupation: Surveyors U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 1.6% Political Science-Related Jobs: Registered Public Surveyor
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks 1.4% Cyber Insurance Policy Specialist; Insurance Policy Issue Clerk
Occupation: Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 1.4% Political Science-Related Jobs: Cyber Insurance Policy Specialist; Insurance Policy Issue Clerk

22 Political Science careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Political Science-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Political Science-Related Jobs

Political Scientists $ 132,350 Health Policy Analyst; Legislative Policy Analyst; Medical Policy Analyst; Project Policy Analyst
Occupation: Political Scientists National Median Salary: $ 132,350 Political Science-Related Jobs: Health Policy Analyst; Legislative Policy Analyst; Medical Policy Analyst; Project Policy Analyst
Advertising and Promotions Managers $ 131,870 Ad Campaign Manager (Advertising Campaign Manager)
Occupation: Advertising and Promotions Managers National Median Salary: $ 131,870 Political Science-Related Jobs: Ad Campaign Manager (Advertising Campaign Manager)
Information Security Analysts $ 120,360 Cyber Policy and Strategy Planner
Occupation: Information Security Analysts National Median Salary: $ 120,360 Political Science-Related Jobs: Cyber Policy and Strategy Planner
Fundraising Managers $ 119,200 Fundraising Campaign Manager
Occupation: Fundraising Managers National Median Salary: $ 119,200 Political Science-Related Jobs: Fundraising Campaign Manager
Clinical Data Managers $ 108,020 Clinical Statistics Manager
Occupation: Clinical Data Managers National Median Salary: $ 108,020 Political Science-Related Jobs: Clinical Statistics Manager
Statisticians $ 104,110 Analytical Statistician; Applied Statistician; Environmental Statistician; Mathematical Statistician; Research Statistician; Survey Statistician; Time Study Statistician
Occupation: Statisticians National Median Salary: $ 104,110 Political Science-Related Jobs: Analytical Statistician; Applied Statistician; Environmental Statistician; Mathematical Statistician; Research Statistician; Survey Statistician; Time Study Statistician
Financial and Investment Analysts $ 99,010 Corporate Statistical Financial Analyst
Occupation: Financial and Investment Analysts National Median Salary: $ 99,010 Political Science-Related Jobs: Corporate Statistical Financial Analyst
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $ 93,810 Adjunct Political Science Instructor; Adjunct Political Science Professor; Public Policy Professor
Occupation: Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 93,810 Political Science-Related Jobs: Adjunct Political Science Instructor; Adjunct Political Science Professor; Public Policy Professor
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary $ 88,410 Environmental Science Management and Policy Professor
Occupation: Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 88,410 Political Science-Related Jobs: Environmental Science Management and Policy Professor
Registered Nurses $ 86,070 Registered Public Health Nurse
Occupation: Registered Nurses National Median Salary: $ 86,070 Political Science-Related Jobs: Registered Public Health Nurse
Budget Analysts $ 84,940 Budget and Policy Analyst
Occupation: Budget Analysts National Median Salary: $ 84,940 Political Science-Related Jobs: Budget and Policy Analyst
Urban and Regional Planners $ 81,800 Sustainable Development Policy Analyst
Occupation: Urban and Regional Planners National Median Salary: $ 81,800 Political Science-Related Jobs: Sustainable Development Policy Analyst
Climate Change Policy Analysts $ 78,980 Clean Energy Policy Analyst; Environmental Policy Analyst
Occupation: Climate Change Policy Analysts National Median Salary: $ 78,980 Political Science-Related Jobs: Clean Energy Policy Analyst; Environmental Policy Analyst
Conservation Scientists $ 68,750 Conservation Policy Analyst
Occupation: Conservation Scientists National Median Salary: $ 68,750 Political Science-Related Jobs: Conservation Policy Analyst
Surveyors $ 68,540 Registered Public Surveyor
Occupation: Surveyors National Median Salary: $ 68,540 Political Science-Related Jobs: Registered Public Surveyor
Fundraisers $ 64,160 Capital Campaign Fundraiser
Occupation: Fundraisers National Median Salary: $ 64,160 Political Science-Related Jobs: Capital Campaign Fundraiser
Anthropologists and Archeologists $ 63,800 American Indian Policy Specialist; Public Policy Specialist
Occupation: Anthropologists and Archeologists National Median Salary: $ 63,800 Political Science-Related Jobs: American Indian Policy Specialist; Public Policy Specialist
Survey Researchers $ 60,960 Survey Statistician
Occupation: Survey Researchers National Median Salary: $ 60,960 Political Science-Related Jobs: Survey Statistician
Insurance Sales Agents $ 59,080 Cyber Insurance Policy Specialist
Occupation: Insurance Sales Agents National Median Salary: $ 59,080 Political Science-Related Jobs: Cyber Insurance Policy Specialist
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators $ 57,570 County Public Health Wellness Coordinator; State Public Health Wellness Coordinator
Occupation: Fitness and Wellness Coordinators National Median Salary: $ 57,570 Political Science-Related Jobs: County Public Health Wellness Coordinator; State Public Health Wellness Coordinator
Statistical Assistants $ 50,510 Advertising Statistical Clerk
Occupation: Statistical Assistants National Median Salary: $ 50,510 Political Science-Related Jobs: Advertising Statistical Clerk
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $ 46,900 Cyber Insurance Policy Specialist; Insurance Policy Issue Clerk
Occupation: Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks National Median Salary: $ 46,900 Political Science-Related Jobs: Cyber Insurance Policy Specialist; Insurance Policy Issue Clerk

22 Political Science careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Political Science-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Political Science-Related Jobs

Anthropologists and Archeologists 5 American Indian Policy Specialist; Public Policy Specialist
Occupation: Anthropologists and Archeologists Education/Preparation: 5 Political Science-Related Jobs: American Indian Policy Specialist; Public Policy Specialist
Urban and Regional Planners 5 Sustainable Development Policy Analyst
Occupation: Urban and Regional Planners Education/Preparation: 5 Political Science-Related Jobs: Sustainable Development Policy Analyst
Survey Researchers 5 Survey Statistician
Occupation: Survey Researchers Education/Preparation: 5 Political Science-Related Jobs: Survey Statistician
Statisticians 5 Analytical Statistician; Applied Statistician; Environmental Statistician; Mathematical Statistician; Research Statistician; Survey Statistician; Time Study Statistician
Occupation: Statisticians Education/Preparation: 5 Political Science-Related Jobs: Analytical Statistician; Applied Statistician; Environmental Statistician; Mathematical Statistician; Research Statistician; Survey Statistician; Time Study Statistician
Political Scientists 5 Health Policy Analyst; Legislative Policy Analyst; Medical Policy Analyst; Project Policy Analyst
Occupation: Political Scientists Education/Preparation: 5 Political Science-Related Jobs: Health Policy Analyst; Legislative Policy Analyst; Medical Policy Analyst; Project Policy Analyst
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Adjunct Political Science Instructor; Adjunct Political Science Professor; Public Policy Professor
Occupation: Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Political Science-Related Jobs: Adjunct Political Science Instructor; Adjunct Political Science Professor; Public Policy Professor
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Environmental Science Management and Policy Professor
Occupation: Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Political Science-Related Jobs: Environmental Science Management and Policy Professor
Climate Change Policy Analysts 5 Clean Energy Policy Analyst; Environmental Policy Analyst
Occupation: Climate Change Policy Analysts Education/Preparation: 5 Political Science-Related Jobs: Clean Energy Policy Analyst; Environmental Policy Analyst
Financial and Investment Analysts 4 Corporate Statistical Financial Analyst
Occupation: Financial and Investment Analysts Education/Preparation: 4 Political Science-Related Jobs: Corporate Statistical Financial Analyst
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators 4 County Public Health Wellness Coordinator; State Public Health Wellness Coordinator
Occupation: Fitness and Wellness Coordinators Education/Preparation: 4 Political Science-Related Jobs: County Public Health Wellness Coordinator; State Public Health Wellness Coordinator
Fundraisers 4 Capital Campaign Fundraiser
Occupation: Fundraisers Education/Preparation: 4 Political Science-Related Jobs: Capital Campaign Fundraiser
Fundraising Managers 4 Fundraising Campaign Manager
Occupation: Fundraising Managers Education/Preparation: 4 Political Science-Related Jobs: Fundraising Campaign Manager
Information Security Analysts 4 Cyber Policy and Strategy Planner
Occupation: Information Security Analysts Education/Preparation: 4 Political Science-Related Jobs: Cyber Policy and Strategy Planner
Insurance Sales Agents 4 Cyber Insurance Policy Specialist
Occupation: Insurance Sales Agents Education/Preparation: 4 Political Science-Related Jobs: Cyber Insurance Policy Specialist
Conservation Scientists 4 Conservation Policy Analyst
Occupation: Conservation Scientists Education/Preparation: 4 Political Science-Related Jobs: Conservation Policy Analyst
Clinical Data Managers 4 Clinical Statistics Manager
Occupation: Clinical Data Managers Education/Preparation: 4 Political Science-Related Jobs: Clinical Statistics Manager
Registered Nurses 4 Registered Public Health Nurse
Occupation: Registered Nurses Education/Preparation: 4 Political Science-Related Jobs: Registered Public Health Nurse
Statistical Assistants 4 Advertising Statistical Clerk
Occupation: Statistical Assistants Education/Preparation: 4 Political Science-Related Jobs: Advertising Statistical Clerk
Budget Analysts 4 Budget and Policy Analyst
Occupation: Budget Analysts Education/Preparation: 4 Political Science-Related Jobs: Budget and Policy Analyst
Surveyors 4 Registered Public Surveyor
Occupation: Surveyors Education/Preparation: 4 Political Science-Related Jobs: Registered Public Surveyor
Advertising and Promotions Managers 4 Ad Campaign Manager (Advertising Campaign Manager)
Occupation: Advertising and Promotions Managers Education/Preparation: 4 Political Science-Related Jobs: Ad Campaign Manager (Advertising Campaign Manager)
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks 2 Cyber Insurance Policy Specialist; Insurance Policy Issue Clerk
Occupation: Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks Education/Preparation: 2 Political Science-Related Jobs: Cyber Insurance Policy Specialist; Insurance Policy Issue Clerk

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 35 specific Political Science job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
You can use this form two ways:

hidden filler

Filter - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles below

Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:



Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Find Job Listings: Surveyors.


Search results will open in a new tab.

Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





Surveyors

Description: Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.

U.S. Total Employment (2023):
46,000
U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
46,700
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
700 (1.6%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
4,000
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Surveyors":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Develop criteria for survey methods and procedures.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods, using knowledge of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Analyze survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Train assistants and helpers, and direct their work in such activities as performing surveys or drafting maps.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas, using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS).
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Prepare, or supervise preparation of, all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Record the results of surveys, including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Testify as an expert witness in court cases on land survey issues, such as property boundaries.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Survey bodies of water to determine navigable channels and to secure data for construction of breakwaters, piers, and other marine structures.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Direct aerial surveys of specified geographical areas.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Locate and mark sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities, such as efforts to locate petroleum or other mineral products.
Importance: 40 (%) Description: Determine specifications for equipment to be used for aerial photography, as well as altitudes from which to photograph terrain.
Importance: 32 (%) Description: Develop criteria for the design and modification of survey instruments.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Performing General Physical Activities: Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Analyze physical, survey, or geographic data.
Calculate geographic positions from survey data.
Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
Coordinate activities with suppliers, contractors, clients, or other departments.
Create maps.
Determine operational criteria or specifications.
Direct surveying activities.
Document technical design details.
Gather physical survey data.
Research topics in area of expertise.
Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.
Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
Verify mathematical calculations.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Administrative: Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Personnel and Human Resources: Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance.
Activity: Analyze environmental or geospatial data.
Activity: Assess characteristics of land or property.
Activity: Coordinate activities with clients, agencies, or organizations.
Activity: Create visual designs or displays.
Activity: Develop technical specifications for products or operations.
Activity: Direct scientific or technical activities.
Activity: Document technical designs, procedures, or activities.
Activity: Evaluate the quality or accuracy of data.
Activity: Gather data about operational or development activities.
Activity: Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise.
Activity: Present information in legal proceedings.
Activity: Research technology designs or applications.
Activity: Train others on operational or work procedures.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Computer aided design CAD software:
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
Bentley MicroStation
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Emerging Tech Skills
Geographic information system:
ESRI ArcGIS software
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Analytical or scientific software (scroll table below):
Carlson SurvCE
CE SURVEYOR III
Geocomp Systems GeoNav
Geodetic software
HYPACK HYSWEEP
HYPACK MAX
MicroSurvey FieldGenius
Sokkia Spectrum Survey Suite
Surface modeling software
Survey software
Application server software:
CloudWorks
Computer aided design CAD software (scroll table below):
Autodesk AutoCAD Land Desktop
Carlson SurvCADD
CMT Incorporated CogoCAD
Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
MicroSurveyCAD
Trimble Terramodel
Data base user interface and query software:
Data logging software
Data conversion software:
Cyclone
Document management software:
Data transfer software
Geographic information system:
Cadcorp desktop GIS
ESRI ArcView
Geographic information system GIS software
Geographic information system GIS systems
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Bentley GeoPak Bridge
Information retrieval or search software:
Topographic database software
Map creation software (scroll table below):
Bentley Systems InRoads Suite
Carlson Survey
Drafting software
Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
PC-Mapper software
Sokkia Imap
Trimble HYDROpro
Mobile location based services software:
Global positioning system GPS software
Office suite software:
Latitude software
Project management software:
Crones & Associations Project Tracker Pro
Project analysis and costing software
Project data integration software
Route navigation software:
NOAA Shoreline Data Explorer
Time accounting software:
Sharetech Tabs Plus
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 47.4 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 21.1 (%) Level of Education: Some College Courses
Frequency of Attainment: 15.8 (%) Level of Education: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 10.5 (%) Level of Education: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
Frequency of Attainment: 5.3 (%) Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 25.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 20.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 20.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 10.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 10.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
Frequency of Attainment: 5.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 5.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 5.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years
Certifications
Certifications
These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?
Certified Federal Surveyor External Link
Certified Portable 3D Metrologist Level 1 External Link
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
National Association of County Surveyors (NACS) External Link
National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) External Link
Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) External Link
Related Careers to Consider


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Surveyors". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Surveyors". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Surveyors". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Surveyors


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Surveyors" occupation.






Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page