1.10.2025

Surveyor training: entry & jobs

The training to become a surveyor combines work in the field with modern measurement technology and GIS/CAD evaluation in the office. It is a 3-year, recognized training course (shortening possible), which is in demand both in authorities and in companies.

Die Surveyor training combines work in the field with modern measurement technology and GIS/CAD evaluation in the office. She is a 3 year old recognized education (Shortening possible), which is in demand both in authorities and in companies. During your apprenticeship, you will learn how to use GPS, tachymeters, laser scanners and increasingly drones; Remuneration varies depending on the employer and tariff (see specific examples in the text). After training, starting salaries vary from region to region — the Germany-wide median Is at ~34.567 €/year (gross). 

In the following guide We will show you concisely what to expect in training, how to find suitable training places and how employers attract targeted trainees — including a specific application checklist.

By the way, you can also find such jobs on GoGeoGo.

Table of contents

Why surveyors? Job prospects and career opportunities

Sectors & typical employers

There are good career opportunities in public administration, engineering firms and the construction industry. Surveyors often work for state and local governments, in surveying or engineering firms, and for large construction companies. Examples include state companies for Geoinformation and surveying or large construction companies that employ their own survey teams.

  • Benefits of public employers are often predictable working hours, training places with clear employment options and additional social benefits.
  • Private employers offer more project-related assignments, faster use of technology (e.g. drones, laser scanner) and sometimes higher starting salaries, depending on company size and region.

Salary & perspective

After training, the annual gross salaries vary from region to region, Germany-wide median amounts to around 34,567 euros per year. The lower quartile is around 30,345 euros, the upper quartile around 39,377 euros; specific starting salaries depend on industry, region and employer.

Even during training, there are significant differences in remuneration. instance STRABAG: The collective training allowance here is currently around 1,080 euros in the 1st year, 1,100 - 1,200 euros in the 2nd year and up to 1,450 euros in the 3rd year (gross/month, as of 2024).

Continuing education & career paths

The training is a solid start; typical advancements lead to a state-certified technician, specialist training or a Studying Geodesy/Geoinformatics. With continuing qualifications, the earning opportunities also change noticeably. That's how they lie Median salaries for female surveyors and engineers significantly higher.

In practice, a combination of professional experience and special courses (e.g. GNSS, laser scanning, GIS), because modern measurement technology is a decisive competitive advantage today. Anyone who combines practice, software know-how and continuing education has good prospects for responsible positions and project-related work.

Zwei Männer stehen neben einem Vermessungsgerät
The training to become a surveyor is dual, i.e. practically oriented

The training: content, duration & requirements

Duration of training & start dates

Dual training usually lasts three years; if you perform well, it can be shortened to up to 18 months (It is best to check with your instructor). Many apprenticeships in Germany start every year, often on August 1 or September 1because vocational schools and examination rhythms are geared towards this. Therefore, plan your application early, often 6—15 months before the desired start date.

Learning content & technology

Practice and technology are on equal footing: field service with measuring devices and office work with GIS/CAD. Typical content includes working with tachymeters and GPS, setting up reference points, evaluating measurement data in geoinformation systems, and increasingly drone surveying and laser scanning.

The training years are usually divided according to complexity:

  • basics in the first year,
  • reference and construction surveys in the second year,
  • Cadastre and planning-related tasks in the third year.

Requirements & school leaving certificate

The recommended school leaving certificate is a middle school leaving certificate; a good understanding of numbers and a technical interest are important. Many training opportunities cite the middle school leaving certificate as a recommendation and expect at least solid grades in mathematics and science subjects. The respective training company sets specific admission requirements. For applicants, this means that certificates, internships and letters of motivation can be decisive.

Luftaufnahme eines Vermessungsprozesses
Anyone who wants to become a surveyor must be prepared to work in nature

How to find your apprenticeship & job

Where to search

Targeted searches on specialized portals and with authorities bring the best results. Use several channels in parallel: the job board of the Federal Agency (BerufeNet), Ausbildung.de, regional job boards (e.g. offices of state authorities) and specialized geo-job portals such as Gogeogo.com/en. Ausbildung.de currently lists many vacant training places, often in large numbers per region. Filter your search by “Surveyor training”, location and desired start year to find relevant results more quickly.

Application tips for trainees (checklist)

A precise, practice-oriented application significantly increases your chances. Quick checklist to check off:

  • cover letter, maximum one page, briefly explain why surveying, emphasis on practical interest.
  • cv, chronologically, with internships, vacation jobs and technical knowledge (e.g. GIS basics, CAD, PC skills).
  • testimonies Attach as a PDF (class certificates, internship certificates).
  • internships or mention taster days, this often works as a door opener.
  • testimonials or short project descriptions, if available.
  • Complete contact details, available on mobile devices, professional e-mail.

Interview & trial work

In an interview, practical relevance and the ability to work in a team count more than perfect theory. Typical questions revolve around motivation, willingness to work in the field and experience with manual or technical tasks. Be prepared to give examples from internships or school subjects. During trial work, you will usually be specifically involved in field tasks; show diligence, communication skills and physical commitment.

Mobility & workwear

Mobility and robust workwear are important advantages in everyday life. Many companies expect trainees to be mobile (public transport or driving license), as construction sites and survey contracts differ from location to location. Standard equipment includes weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes and, in some cases, personal protective equipment. Clarify in advance what the training company provides and what you should bring with you yourself.

Advice for employers: Recruiting trainees & specialists via GoGeoGo

Specialized geo-job portals bundle coverage and deliver more suitable candidates. Auf GoGeoGo advertise employers from the fields of geoinformation, surveying and planning in both the public and private sectors. Employers can use visible employer profiles and premium ads.

Optimize job ad — short template template

Title, keywords, location, and start date belong on the first lines. Example of a compact display:

title: Surveyor training (m/f/d) — Start 01.08.2026 — Musterstadt
Brief description (1-2 sentences): Practice-oriented, three-year training in field service and office. Focus: GPS, tachymeter, GIS. Takeover opportunity possible.

Tasks/What we offer:

  • Field service practice and project work

  • Drone, Laser Scanning, and GIS Training

  • Compensation + travel allowance/work clothes (if available)
    Requirements: Middle school leaving certificate or good secondary school leaving certificate, interest in technology.
    Application: Curriculum vitae, certificates, short motivational sentence; deadline: DD.MM.YYY.
    CTA: Apply now via GoGeoGo/email to jobs@firma.de

Key keywords that you should integrate: “Surveyor training”, location, “Start of training”, “Takeover” and “Drones/Laser Scanners/GIS.”

Timing & adjustment — practical to-dos

Post job advertisements 6—15 months before the start of training, larger companies often even earlier. Many Training starts traditionally on August 1 or September 1; the application phases therefore start in the previous year. So plan early and use seasonal peaks for visibility.

Specific to-dos:

  • Publish the call for proposals 6—15 months before the start.
  • Offer short internships and trial days to screen candidates early on.
  • Plan group or individual interviews and a short field internship.
    Communicate early commitments and clear information about takeover opportunities.
    The Federal Agency recommends professional fairs and BiZ as additional channels.

Employer branding for surveying — specific wording

Emphasize practical relevance, technology and takeover opportunities. Examples of slogans and text modules:

  • “Practical training with modern measurement technology (drones, laser scanners, GIS) . ”
  • “High take-over rate after successful completion. ”
    “Varied assignments: field work and digital planning. ”

Short texts for social media or GoGeoGo:

  • “Start your career as a surveyor: 3 years, lots of practice, good employment opportunities. Apply now! ”
  • “We train: including modern technology, teamwork and continuing education. ”

Tip: Use a employer profile on GoGeoGo (visible for 365 days even for unsolicited applications) and tune in Pro adto reach out specifically to trainees and specialists from the geo-sector.

Nahaufnahme einer Drohne
Surveying is closely linked to other areas, such as drone photography and photogrammetry

Conclusion of surveyor training

The training to become a surveyor is practical, future-proof and offers clear development opportunities. In three years, you will acquire technical and technical skills in the field and data processing skills in the office — both together make you attractive to authorities, engineering firms and the construction industry. If you want to continue your career, you can continue your education as a state-certified technician or complete a relevant course of study.

Are you currently looking for a suitable job or training as surveyor? Then take a look at the current job offers GoGeoGo!

faqs

What distinguishes a surveyor from a surveyor?
Surveyors are specialists with three years of state-approved training; they carry out data collection and processing in practice. surveyors have an academic degree (e.g. Bachelor/Master) and take on planning, management and government tasks more frequently. Both work closely together, but differ in qualifications and responsibilities.

Can I study or do advanced technical training after completing my training?
Yes Many graduates take advantage of advanced training to become state-certified technicians or obtain the technical college entrance qualification (some companies/vocational schools offer this during their training). It is then possible to study geodesy/geoinformatics.

How is the final exam structured?
The training ends with an interim examination and a written and practical final examination. Written examination areas include Geodata editing, public tasks and technical surveying as well as Economics and Social Studies. Part of the audit is an operational contract with an expert discussion. Dates and details are regulated by the competent authorities.

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