Surveying License

[redbridge]

I do all the surveying on all my projects which usually consists of sewer profiles, topos and stake outs. My question is should I consider looking into getting licensed. The main reason I am thinking of doing this is because the average age of surveyors is 56 years old and I think they may be in high demand in the future. If my current job ever fell through I would seriously consider going out on my own and thought being a surveyor would help get some business. I would appreciate any input.

 

[GoldDredger]

I think the short answer is that it couldn't hurt, though that is kindof a cheap answer.

I think it depends if you want to expand what you are currently doing to include property boundaries, plats, easement descriptions, things like that. I think those usually require a surveyor's stamp.

Are you a professional engineer? Although the statutes vary from state to state, I know in many cases engineers are allowed to obtain existing conditions information w/o having to rely on a licensed surveyor (ie obtaining topo, existing utility, etc) If that is all you want to do, then it seems like a waste of time to me.

On the other hand, if you are looking to bring in work by touting a survey license, well, that is probably anyones guess. Probably wouldn't hurt.