Having worked in the surveying field from 2000-2017 (still miss it to this day). I can say that it is a very good field to get into if you’re willing to put the time and effort into that it requires to get your license.
4 year college degree from one of the schools that offer that program (Southern Polytechnic/Kennesaw State was the go to school for Land Surveying/Civil Engineering Degrees). There use to be a 2 year option with Middle Georgia College but they were trying to kill that off at one point (I don’t know if it is still an option).
7 years of working under a Licensed Surveyor before you can sit for your first test (LSIT), and having two Licensed Surveyors sign off on you with a letter of recommendation before you can sit for the test.
If you pass that test, you have to pass the LS test in order to be licensed in this state.
You have to carry a lot of insurance, purchase expensive equipment for the field crews to use in the field.
Purchase expensive software for the office and the computers that will run it.
These are the same requirements as required to become a Civil Engineer, minus the field equipment because you will use the information that a Licensed Surveyor has provided you.
So, do you do all of that and split your time between working outside in the elements, getting stung by yellow jackets, cutting line with a machete, lugging equipment through the mud, swamps, or up mountains, and working inside the office? Or do you put that same time in and go work inside a climate control office with visits to a job site while making more money?
Granted there are exceptions to the rule, some people are dual licensed but you get the idea.
Surveyors are a dying breed, as most people see the requirements now and are opting to become a Civil Engineer. That is why there is a backlog with the remaining Surveyors.
