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Performs professional land surveying work including boundary surveys, construction surveys, and property mapping.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1373
Degree: land surveying; or civil engineering with a surveying option/emphasis. The civil engineering major must have included at least 6 semester hours of surveying, 3 semester hours of land law, and 21 additional semester hours in any combination of the following: surveying, photogrammetry, geodetic surveying, geodesy, route surveying, remote sensing, cartography, survey astronomy, land information systems, computer-aided mapping, aerial photo interpretation, and survey analysis and adjustments.
or
Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in land surveying or civil engineering as described in paragraph A, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
or
The basic requirements for this series may be fully satisfied by a current registration as a land surveyor in a State, territory, or the District of Columbia obtained by written examination. Such registration must have been obtained under conditions outlined in the National Council of Engineering Examiners (NCEE) Unified Model Law for Registration of Surveyors. Applicants wishing to be considered under this provision must show evidence of registration based on successful completion of the written examinations. Registrations granted prior to adoption of a registration law with qualification requirements equivalent to the NCEE Model Law by the State, territory, or District of Columbia are not acceptable under this option. To be considered equivalent to the NCEE Model law, registration laws must include the four options listed within the NCEE Unified Model Law in the section specifying "General Requirements for Registration" as a Professional Land Surveyor.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal land surveying position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-1373
Technical Engineers in the Army are trained in surveying techniques and use similar equipment, making them well-suited for land surveying roles.
Engineering Assistants are involved in surveying and mapping tasks, providing a strong foundation for transitioning to land surveying roles.
Engineering Aids perform surveying and mapping, which are key components of land surveying positions.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Skill in conducting various types of land surveys.
Proficiency in total stations, GPS, and levels.
Ability to interpret metes and bounds descriptions.
Knowledge of boundary law and survey principles.
Skill in preparing survey drawings and plats.
Ability to perform survey calculations and adjustments.
Skill in researching deeds and historical survey records.
Ability to prepare survey reports and descriptions.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1373 Land Surveyor conducts professional surveying work for federal agencies—establishing property boundaries, performing construction surveys, preparing legal survey plats, and ensuring survey accuracy for agencies like BLM, Army Corps of Engineers, Forest Service, and GSA. These surveyors work on federal land management, military construction, and government property transactions.
Federal Land Surveyors earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-9 through GS-12. A GS-11 Land Surveyor earns $63,163-$82,108. BLM, Army Corps of Engineers, and Forest Service are major employers. Field positions include travel pay and remote location allowances.
GS-1373 requires a degree in land surveying or civil engineering with surveying emphasis. Civil engineering majors need at least 6 hours of surveying, 3 hours of land law, plus 21 additional hours in related areas. Alternatively, current state registration as a Professional Land Surveyor obtained through NCEE-equivalent examination fully qualifies applicants.
If you hold current PLS registration from a state with NCEE-equivalent standards, that alone qualifies you—no degree needed. Otherwise, veterans with surveying degrees and military experience in Army survey units, construction engineering, or route surveying have excellent backgrounds. Military topographic surveying and GPS operations experience strengthens applications.
Land Surveyors follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-11 or GS-12. Senior surveyors and supervisors reach GS-13. Career paths include specializing in cadastral surveying (BLM), construction surveying, or GIS integration. Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) licensure is valuable for advancement.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Land Surveyor" or "Surveyor" under series 1373. BLM, Army Corps of Engineers, Forest Service, and GSA are primary employers. Highlight your PLS license (if held), total station and GPS proficiency, boundary law knowledge, and CAD experience. Include specific project types and software skills in your federal resume.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.