Jobs in Survey: Exploring Opportunities & Growth

By WFHR Editor

The demand for survey jobs has grown in the past few years, providing numerous opportunities and paying well for those interested in joining this field.

Survey researchers are crucial partners in collecting and analyzing data to understand public opinion, company, customer satisfaction, and social trends. These professionals design and take surveys, manage research projects, do surveys, conduct interviews, and explore the collected data.

As of 2021, survey researchers held a median salary of $59,740, with the best-paid 25% making $78,560 that year and the lowest-paid 25% earning $38,840.

Technology has revolutionized the survey industry, leading users to increasingly remote and web-based paid survey opportunities. Platforms like MyPoints and SurveyJunkie allow users to take online surveys for money and participate in paid survey gigs. Besides the pay, well-established companies like Netflix employ survey professionals to manage consumer insights by leading survey management system workflows for web-based paid surveys.

Strong analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills are vital to excel in this field of paid surveys. Moreover, a background in social science, statistics, or a related field may help individuals break into the paid survey market research domain.

As organizations continue to seek insights into their target audiences, the job prospects for survey researchers are promising, contributing to the growing importance of survey jobs in today’s competitive market.

Why choose a job taking surveys?

Jobs involve taking online or online surveys that allow you to work remotely. You work at home instead of working at home, so you don’t need to commute each day. You may also create schedules that are in line with your work schedule, and you report to yourself.

A paid survey can allow you to discover new products and services unfamiliar to others and improve your knowledge of different markets.

Online Surveys and Affiliate Program

Woman filling online survey on her smartphone — MclittleStock / Adobe Stock

Companies that will pay you to take Surveys Online

In this day and age, the internet has made it easy to earn money online. Companies paying money to survey participants value their research results and can leverage those results to make money and improve their operations.

You can do a survey job at home or travel to the office daily to pay them. Here, we explore sites offering free survey payments online.

Best-Paid Online Survey Affiliate programs and Referral networks

Pay for surveys websites offer rewards for completing the surveys on the web. This paid survey site website provides direct affiliate accounts for referrals to members and indirect affiliate account programs offered through affiliate programs for big publishers.

Paid survey affiliate programs are amongst the most effective affiliate advertising programs. The paid affiliate programs have fewer fees than paid surveys, which are more effective for conversion. This literary expedition lists the cheapest paid survey affiliate program that provides a fee for the referral and advertising of new members.

Affiliate Links and Affiliate Networks We Recommend

Woman using smartphone with dollar bills flying away from screen — pathdoc / Adobe Stock

Maxbounty’s affiliate referral program also consists of hundreds of companies based in survey fields with excellent offers for sale. Having offers promoted through Maxbounty’s unique affiliate link is an excellent decision, and the network has topped the BlueBook list for multiple years in a row. Panthera Network.

This well-organized affiliate network has over 500 programs, including multiple marketing-related ones. The company continuously strives for new customers, and its website allows publishers and advertisers to identify engaging campaigns quickly. Their services are broad (travel surveys, gifts, coupons, and others) and are widely available globally.

Types Survey Jobs

Construction Surveyor

Construction surveyors play a crucial role in measuring and mapping construction sites. They collect data on the land’s features, elevations, and boundaries through paid surveys, which is necessary for planning and executing construction projects. Construction surveyors work closely with project managers, architects, and engineers to ensure accurate measurements gathering information are taken before, during, and after construction.

Some of the critical responsibilities of a construction surveyor include the following:

Conducting land surveys to establish boundaries, topography, and elevations
Working with engineers and architects to plan construction projects
Monitoring construction progress to ensure accuracy

Drafter

Drafters create detailed drawings and site plans for construction, manufacturing, and engineering industries. These professionals use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create accurate and detailed technical drawings. As a drafter, you will collaborate with engineers, surveyors, and other professionals to develop complete and precise representations of construction sites, buildings, and infrastructure projects.

Typical duties for drafters may entail the following:

Creating detailed drawings using CAD software
Collaborating with other professionals to develop plans and designs
Revising and updating drawings as needed

Land Surveyor I

The Land Surveyor I position is typically an entry-level role within the surveying industry. They assist in conducting land surveys, surveying equipment maintenance, and survey panels and data collection from survey panels. Working on survey panels under the supervision of a licensed surveyor, and land surveyors, I gain valuable experience and knowledge in the field.

Responsibilities for a land surveyor I can include:

Assisting with land surveys
Maintaining and calibrating surveying equipment
Collecting and analyzing data under the guidance

Business Development

Business development roles in surveying involve identifying new business opportunities, building client relationships, and promoting surveying services. Professionals in this field collaborate with surveyors, engineers, and other stakeholders to develop project proposals and win new contracts. Business development positions may require strong communication, negotiation, and project management skills.

Critical tasks within business development in surveying:

Identifying potential clients and business opportunities
Developing proposals and bids for new projects
Building relationships and nurturing long-term partnerships

Civil Engineer

Civil engineers have a broad range of responsibilities for planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining public works projects. They often work closely with surveyors to gather site data and ensure proper boundaries, elevations, and features are considered before starting a construction project. Civil engineers apply their expertise to highway engineering, water resources management, geotechnical engineering, and environmental management.

The primary duties of serving as a civil engineer may encompass the following:

Designing and overseeing infrastructure projects
Coordinating with surveyors, drafters, and other professionals
Ensuring project compliance with industry standards and regulations

AutoCAD Specialist

AutoCAD specialists are skilled in using AutoCAD software, a widely utilized tool in designing and drafting construction and engineering projects.

They are responsible for creating, revising, and updating detailed plans based on input from surveyors, engineers, and other team members. AutoCAD specialists often serve as a vital link between the fieldwork and the design phase of various projects.

Specific tasks for completing as members of an AutoCAD specialist involve members completing the following:

Developing and maintaining detailed drawings using AutoCAD software
Collaborating with project teams to incorporate site data and design requirements
Ensuring the accuracy of drawings and plans

Entry-Level Opportunities

Woman typing on a laptop — Luke Southern / Unsplash

Education and Training Requirements

To qualify for an entry-level position as a land surveyor, most employers require a minimum of an associate degree in surveying, geomatics, or a related field. But, earning a bachelor’s degree in these fields may open up additional opportunities. Some critical aspects of education and training for entry-level surveyors include:

Geospatial data collection and analysis
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software
CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, such as AutoCAD or Civil 3D
Boundary, construction, and topographic surveying techniques
Familiarity with relevant laws and regulations governing land rights and usage

Skills and Competencies

To succeed as an entry-level surveyor, one should possess a range of skills and competencies. Some of the most crucial ones include:

Strong technical skills and knowledge of construction drawings
Ability to collect and record survey measurements and field data using multiple methods, such as notes, sketches, and tracings
Adjust and operate surveying equipment, such as laser levels, electronic distance measuring devices, and GPS systems.
Good spatial awareness and visualization skills, along with attention to detail
Proficiency in math, especially geometry, and trigonometry
Practical communication skills, both written and verbal, for interacting with clients, team members, and government agencies
Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities to address complex land survey projects

Industry Overview

Market Trends and Future Outlook

The surveying market research service and industry has experienced significant growth and transformations in recent years, driven by the rapid evolution of technology and the increasing demand for accurate and timely data. Some key top market research trends impacting the same research service and industry include:

The adoption of advanced surveying technologies like GPS, LiDAR, and drones for more accurate data collection
The increasing use of cloud-based software and data management tools for efficient data processing and storage
The rising demand for surveying services in a range of industries, such as construction, mining, and agriculture

Given these trends, the future outlook for the surveying industry appears promising. The continuous development of newer technologies is expected to drive further growth in online surveys and improvements in surveying techniques, promising more accurate user surveys and cost-effective data collection solutions.

Key Players and Companies

A few prominent companies and key players are shaping the surveying industry landscape. Some notable examples include:

WSP: A global engineering and professional services consultancy, WSP offers surveying services as part of its comprehensive suite of expertise. They specialize in various sectors, such as transportation, infrastructure, and environmental projects.
Trimble: A leading provider of advanced surveying solutions, Trimble offers a wide range of hardware and software products, including GPS, total stations, and 3D scanning equipment. Their innovative technology enables surveyors to work more efficiently and accurately.
Leica Geosystems: Another key player in the industry, Leica Geosystems offers a diverse range of surveying equipment and software solutions. Their products, such as the Leica Nova MS50, combine multiple surveying technologies for an integrated and versatile experience.

These three survey companies, among others, play a crucial role in driving the surveying industry forward, contributing to its growth through technological advancements and innovative solutions. They cater to users’ and advertisers’ needs across various industries, ensuring timely and accurate data collection for informed decision-making.

Licensing and Certification

Man typing and planning on laptop — Miha Creative / Adobe Stock

National Requirements

Becoming a licensed surveyor or civil engineer usually requires a person to meet specific education, work experience, and exam requirements. These professionals are crucial in designing and executing various infrastructure and construction projects. Licensing requirements ensure they possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to protect public health and safety.

Surveyors: In the United States, all 50 states require surveyors to be licensed. Some vital national requirements include having a degree in surveying or a closely related field, a few years of work experience under a licensed surveyor, and passing the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) and Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exams administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
Civil Engineers: Civil engineers must be licensed in all 50 states, like surveyors. National requirements typically include having a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field, a few years of work experience under a licensed civil engineer, and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams administered by NCEES.

Regional Requirements

Along with the national requirements, specific regional requirements may vary from state to state or country to country. It is crucial to check with the local licensing board to ensure compliance with provincial regulations. These regional requirements might involve additional coursework, exams, or experience.

Profession Example of Regional Requirement Surveyor In California, eligible survey candidates must also complete and pass the state-specific California Land Surveyors exam. Civil Engineer In Texas, candidates must accumulate four years of progressive engineering experience under a licensed engineer and complete and pass the Texas Ethics of Engineering exam.

Ultimately, aspiring surveyors and civil engineers must achieve and complete the necessary licensing and certification requirements to complete online. These online requirements ensure their credibility and professionalism and help safeguard public health, safety, and welfare.

Job Search Tips

Networking and Industry Associations

When searching online for jobs in surveying, one crucial aspect to consider is networking. This involves connecting with professionals, colleagues, other members, and friends in the industry to enhance your opportunities. To expand your network, consider attending industry-related conferences and trade shows.

Joining industry associations is an excellent way for employees to engage with like-minded professionals and stay informed about the latest developments, job openings, and trends. Some associations even provide full access or pay for their member’s exclusive website access to job portals or resources.

I’d like for you to maintain an active LinkedIn profile.
Join online forums and discussion groups related to surveying.
Attend industry-specific events and webinars.
Connect with surveying professionals on social media platforms

Applying for Positions

When applying for surveying jobs, it’s crucial to tailor your application to demonstrate your proficiency, interest, and experience in the field. Here are some strategies that can help improve your chances of securing a surveying job:

Optimize your resume: Highlight your experience and accomplishments in surveying, emphasizing your expertise in tools and software relevant to the industry. Use appropriate keywords and job-related terminology that potential employers might search for.
Create a strong cover letter: Focus on your skills, qualifications, and experiences related to surveying. Explain why you’re a suitable candidate and showcase your passion for the field.
Leverage job search resources: Use search engines, like Indeed or LinkedIn, to actively search for surveying positions. Also, please watch niche job boards, such as surveying-specific websites or job portals provided by industry associations.
Prepare for interviews: Familiarize yourself with common interview questions for the surveying industry, and be prepared to share examples of your relevant experience, accomplishments, or challenges you’ve faced.

Using these free job search tips, networking, and industry association site and website site involvement, you can increase your chances of finding surveying and research jobs that align with your skills and interests.

In recent years, the demand for survey jobs has grown, providing numerous opportunities for those interested in this field. Survey researchers are crucial in collecting and analyzing data to understand public opinion, customer satisfaction, and various social trends.

These professionals design and manage research projects, conduct interviews, and analyze the collected data. As of 2021, survey researchers held a median salary of $59,740, with the best-paid 25% making $78,560 that year and the lowest-paid 25% making $38,840.

Technology has revolutionized the survey industry, leading to increasing remote and web-based survey opportunities. Platforms like MyPoints and Panel Payday allow users to take online surveys for money and participate in paid gigs. Besides, well-established companies, such as Netflix, employ survey professionals to manage their consumer insights by leading survey management workflows for web-based surveys.

Strong analytical, communication and critical thinking skills are vital to excel in this field. Moreover, a background in social science, statistics, or a related field may help individuals break into the survey research domain.