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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Land surveyors use special electronic equipment to survey land, water, and air space. This equipment includes global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). They determine or establish boundaries, or anything relative to a boundary, to identify and certify its location. They also provide positioning for construction, mapping, and other activities.
Land surveyors and their assistants determine or establish boundaries by:
The information they gather determines the location, limits, and boundaries of:
Land surveyors are often involved in geographic information systems (GIS) work.
Land surveyors work indoors in office settings and outdoors in urban and rural locations. Those in a management role spend most of their time in offices. They may need to lift up to 10 kilograms.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in co-ordinating information to develop plans, methods and procedures for conducting legal surveys, and to analyze, manage and display data using geographic information systems (GIS) and computer-aided design and drafting (CAD)
Interest in precision working with GIS, GPS, CAD and other systems and equipment to record measurements and other information and to prepare survey data, plans, charts, records and documents
Interest in supervising the preparation and compilation of data, plans, charts, records and documents; and in certifying and assuming liability for surveys
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Land surveyors need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 32 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 23, 2022 and Dec 14, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Record all measurements and other information obtained during survey activities | 25 |
|---|---|
| Operate GPS (Global Positioning System) and other navigation equipment | 25 |
| Tasks: Determine precise locations using electronic distance measuring equipment | 23 |
| Work Site Environment: Outdoors | 23 |
| Attention to detail | 22 |
| Traditional survey equipment | 22 |
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 21 |
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 21 |
| Computer Systems: Valid driver's licence | 21 |
| Manufacturing Sector Experience: 1 to 2 people | 21 |
Land surveyors need a good understanding of math, physics, earth sciences, computer programming, and cartography. The most common educational qualification is a 4-year bachelor’s degree in geomatics engineering.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
The University of New Brunswick in Fredericton offers a 3-year Bachelor of Geomatics degree. It also offers a 4-year B.Sc. in Engineering with a specialization in Geomatics Engineering. The University of Calgary, Laval University, and York University also offer accredited 4-year B.Sc. in Engineering degrees specializing in Geomatics Engineering. The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) offers a Bachelor of Science in Geomatics.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Land surveyors plan, direct, and conduct legal surveys to determine and interpret the location of boundaries, buildings, structures, and other natural or human-made features on, over, or under the surface of the earth.
Under Alberta’s Land Surveyors Act [pdf], you must be registered with the Alberta Land Surveyors’ Association (ALSA) to practice as or use the title Alberta Land Surveyor.
If you are not registered with ALSA, you may work in this field only under the supervision, direction, and control of an Alberta Land Surveyor.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Land Surveyor.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most land surveyors work for surveying and geomatics firms. Some registered Alberta Land Surveyors establish their own surveying companies or become shareholders in existing ones.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Land surveyors
2016 NOC: 2154
81.8% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
The Alberta Land Surveyors’ Association (ALSA) conducts compensation surveys of their members. Their surveys may reflect more current earnings information.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.00 | $48.08 | $28.48 | $28.00 |
| Overall | $19.74 | $57.99 | $36.12 | $35.00 |
| Top | $24.35 | $72.12 | $45.12 | $43.59 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $75,216 |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $73,945 |
| Public Administration | $102,381 |
Alberta Land Surveyors’ Association (ALSA) website: www.alsa.ab.ca
Association of Canada Lands Surveyors (ACLS) website: www.acls-aatc.ca
Canadian Board of Examiners for Professional Surveyors (CBEPS) website: www.cbeps-cceag.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
