Surveying engineer

What does a land survey engineer do? – Tasks and work environment

A land survey engineer primarily works with measurement, mapping, and analysis of land, properties, and geographic areas. Tasks can include creating and interpreting maps, handling issues related to land division, boundary delineation, and infrastructure planning. The work often involves close collaboration with authorities, construction companies, and private actors. The environment varies between fieldwork on-site and office work where digital GIS systems and advanced mapping software are used to process and analyze collected data. Safety, accuracy, and an analytical approach are crucial in the profession, especially when preparing decision bases for urban planning.

Salary development over time

The salary for land survey engineers has shown stable growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 39,300 SEK per month, while both 2023 and 2024 show an average salary of 40 400 SEK. This corresponds to an increase of about 2.8% from 2022 to 2023, but the salary level has remained unchanged thereafter. This relatively steady development reflects a market where demand for land survey engineers is stable, but where salary increases are limited. The stagnation between 2023 and 2024 may partly be due to the profession's specialization and the fact that significant salary changes often require increased demand or changes in the educational level of employees.

Land survey engineer salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 40 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,900 SEK/month (female, public sector, shorter post-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 50,600 SEK/month (female, government sector, postgraduate education)
• Hourly wage: 243 SEK
• Gender differences: Men 40 700 SEK, women 40 100 SEK (women earn 98% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Data on regional salary differences are limited, but variations may occur depending on the size of the labor market and demand in different parts of the country.

Education and qualifications

To work as a land survey engineer, a university degree in land surveying, geomatics, or civil engineering is usually required, often at the bachelor's level. The education combines technical knowledge of measurement and GIS (geographic information systems) with legal and urban planning aspects. Practical components and fieldwork are often included, providing necessary skills for the profession. Additional certifications or courses in areas such as property law or advanced GIS analysis can be advantageous.

• Formal degree: Bachelor's engineering degree in land surveying or civil engineering, 3 years
• Certifications: Courses in GIS, property law, measurement technology
• Internships: Internships or trainee programs during studies are common
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and specific skills in mathematics and technology
• Advice for choosing: Opt for programs with strong links to working life and focus on GIS technology

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for land survey engineers include occupational pension, flexible working hours, wellness allowances, and opportunities for remote work. Other benefits may include skills development, subsidized lunches, and extra vacation days, especially within the public or government sector where collective agreements are often applied.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a land survey engineer is assessed as balanced, with neither surplus nor shortage of labor nationwide. A challenge for the profession is technological development, where new digital tools and GIS systems require continuous further training. At the same time, increased urban development and infrastructure projects are expected to boost demand over several years. Staying updated on legislation and digital working methods is essential, as is the ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.

Tips for those who want to become a land survey engineer

To succeed as a land survey engineer, it is good to combine analytical skills with an interest in technology and societal issues. Precision facilitates work with measurement data and legal documents, and a communicative approach is valuable when conveying complex results to clients or partners. Keeping up with new GIS tools and digital methods offers advantages in a rapidly changing industry. Practical field experience is often meritorious, and a structured work approach helps when managing large data sets. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are important, as tasks can vary greatly between projects.

Key facts about land survey engineers

• Education level: Bachelor's engineering degree, 3 years
• Typical work environment: Combination of office and fieldwork
• Job market: Moderate opportunities nationwide, 564 job openings in the profession
• Special skills: GIS, measurement technology, property law
• Demand: Expected to increase over five years

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a land survey engineer can advance to roles such as project manager within infrastructure projects, GIS system specialist, or property law advisor. Some choose to move into consulting or take leadership roles within municipal or government agencies. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, the opportunities for employment as a land survey engineer are moderate today, but demand is expected to increase nationally over five years. This is driven by continued high investment levels in urban development and digitalization of mapping and property services. Overall, the future looks promising for those who specialize or deepen their knowledge in technical or legal aspects of the profession.

Common questions about land survey engineers

• What does a land survey engineer earn?
  - The average salary is 40 400 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What education is required to become a land survey engineer?
  - A university engineering degree in land surveying, geomatics, or civil engineering, usually three years.
• What is the job market like for land survey engineers?
  - The job market is balanced, and opportunities are considered moderate, with increasing demand in the long term.
• What are the tasks of a land survey engineer?
  - Measurement, mapping, GIS analysis, property division, and consulting within urban planning.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 40 100 SEK and men 40 700 SEK, meaning women earn 98% of men's salaries.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a land survey engineer?
  - The highest salary is 50,600 SEK and the lowest is 34,900 SEK, depending on education and sector.
• What personal qualities are important in the profession?
  - Analytical ability, precision, communication, and flexibility are especially valuable qualities.