Career Overview
A Land Surveyor measures and maps land — plotting boundaries, contours, road alignments and construction setout points. In Sri Lanka, Licensed Surveyors are the only professionals legally allowed to prepare survey plans for land transactions, giving them a protected, in-demand career. Surveyors also work with construction firms on setting out buildings and roads, and in oil & gas, mining and mapping globally.
What Does This Career Do?
Surveyors use total stations, GPS/GNSS, drones and levels to capture precise coordinates on the ground. They then produce survey plans, topographic maps, contour drawings and setting-out drawings for architects, engineers and government agencies. Licensed Surveyors also give expert witness in land disputes.
Daily Responsibilities
Skills Required
Technical Skills
- Total station operation
- GNSS / GPS surveying
- AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Drone / UAV mapping
- GIS (ArcGIS / QGIS)
- Contour drawing
- Cadastral & boundary law
- Setting out
Soft Skills
- Accuracy
- Patience
- Physical fitness
- Attention to detail
- Client communication
- Team leadership (survey crew)
- Ethics & impartiality
Education Pathway
- 1Route 1: BSc Surveying Sciences (Sabaragamuwa)
- Pass GCE A/L (Physical / Biological Science)
- Enter Sabaragamuwa University for BSc Surveying Sciences
- Specialise in Land / Cadastral Surveying
- Complete industrial training with a Licensed Surveyor
- Apply for junior surveyor roles
- 2Route 2: BSc Surveying & Geodesy (ITUM / Moratuwa)
- Pass GCE A/L (Physical Science)
- Enter Institute of Technology, Moratuwa (ITUM) or University of Moratuwa
- Specialise in Geodesy / Cartography
- Complete industry placement
- Progress toward Licensed Surveyor status
- 3Route 3: Licensed Surveyor Route
- Complete a surveying degree or diploma
- Work under a Licensed Surveyor for the required apprenticeship period
- Sit the Survey Department Licensing Examination
- Obtain Licensed Surveyor status from the Survey Department of Sri Lanka
- Open a private practice or join a firm
Entry Requirements
GCE A/L in the Physical Science or Biological Science stream is required for university entry to surveying degrees. For licensed status, additional training and Survey Department examinations are required.
Recommended Courses
Diploma in Construction Management
BSc in Quantity Surveying / Civil Engineering
HND in Construction Technology
NVQ Level 5 in Construction
Advanced Certificate in Site Management
Career Progression
- 1Trainee Surveyor (0–1 yr)
- 2Junior Surveyor (1–3 yrs)
- 3Senior Surveyor (3–6 yrs)
- 4Licensed Surveyor (5–8 yrs)
- 5Chief Surveyor / Consultant (8–15 yrs)
- 6Overseas Surveyor (any stage)
Industries Hiring
Salary Summary
| Experience | Monthly Salary (LKR) |
|---|---|
| Trainee (0–1 yr) | 32,000 – 48,000 |
| Junior Surveyor (1–3 yrs) | 48,000 – 80,000 |
| Senior Surveyor (3–6 yrs) | 80,000 – 144,000 |
| Licensed Surveyor (private practice) | 144,000 – 320,000 |
| Chief Surveyor (8+ yrs) | 240,000 – 480,000 |
| Overseas (Middle East / AU) | 320,000 – 960,000 |
The salary information on this page is intended as a general guide for students and job seekers in Sri Lanka. Actual salaries may vary depending on qualifications, experience, employer, industry, location, job responsibilities, company size, performance, market demand, and additional benefits. The figures shown are estimated monthly salary ranges and are provided for informational purposes only. They should not be considered guaranteed earnings.
Certifications That Increase Salary
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a surveyor and a Licensed Surveyor?
Where can I study surveying in Sri Lanka?
How much can a Licensed Surveyor earn?
Is surveying a good career for women?
Can I work overseas as a Sri Lankan surveyor?
Do I need to know drones and GIS?
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