Introduction

Australia faces a critical shortage of registered land and cadastral surveyors. Over 3,800 surveyor jobs are advertised annually on SEEK and LinkedIn, with mining and infrastructure projects driving record demand. Licensed surveyors earn AUD 110,000–160,000 in cities and up to AUD 220,000+ on FIFO mining rosters. Surveyor (ANZSCO 232212) remains firmly on the skilled occupation list, offering clear permanent residency routes. This guide explains registration requirements, current job market, salary levels, and the exact migration steps every overseas surveyor needs to know.

Current Demand and Highest-Paying Specialisations

Western Australia’s mining and LNG expansion creates hundreds of mining surveyor roles in the Pilbara and Goldfields each year. New South Wales and Queensland need cadastral surveyors for Sydney–Brisbane high-speed rail and urban redevelopment. Victoria and South Australia recruit heavily for major road and renewable energy projects.

Top specialisations in 2025:

  • Mining Surveyor (FIFO WA) – highest salaries
  • Cadastral/Land Surveyor – required for property boundary work
  • Engineering Surveyor – infrastructure and construction
  • Hydrographic Surveyor – offshore and ports

Graduate surveyor positions still exist, especially with large contractors (CPB, John Holland, Lendlease, Seymour Whyte).

State Registration and Licencing Requirements

You cannot sign survey plans in Australia without state registration — this is non-negotiable for most permanent roles.

Key pathways:

  1. Reciprocal agreements – New Zealand, UK (RICS), and South Africa (SAGC) surveyors often fast-track registration
  2. Overseas competency assessment – VETASSESS first confirms your degree and experience meet Australian standards
  3. State board examination – NSW (BOSSI), Victoria (SIBA), Queensland (LSLB), WA require written exams, practical projects, and professional interviews

Typical timeline: 12–24 months from arrival if you start the process early. Many employers support candidates through supervised training agreements.

Salary Expectations by Experience and Location

  • Graduate/Assistant Surveyor: AUD 80,000 – 110,000
  • Registered Land Surveyor (2–5 years post-registration): AUD 120,000 – 160,000
  • Senior/Mining Surveyor (FIFO): AUD 180,000 – 220,000+ (including allowances)
  • Principal/Director level: AUD 220,000 – 300,000+

FIFO mining roles typically include flights, accommodation, and generous site allowances.

Migration Pathways for Surveyors in 2025

Surveyor (232212) sits on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List.

Available visas:

  1. Skilled Independent (189) – points-tested, no sponsor (current invites 90–100 points)
  2. Skilled Nominated (190) – adds 5 points; NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS nominate regularly
  3. Skilled Work Regional (491) – adds 15 points; extremely popular for regional surveyor roles
  4. Temporary Skill Shortage (482) – fastest route with a job offer; many mining and construction firms sponsor

Recent rounds show surveyors invited at 85 points (491) and 95 points (189) offshore. VETASSESS is the assessing authority — not Engineers Australia.

Job Search and Registration Strategy That Works

  • Obtain VETASSESS positive skills assessment first (mandatory for visa)
  • Apply for jobs while offshore — highlight overseas registration and willingness to complete local exams
  • Target employers who sponsor 482 visas: Rio Tinto, BHP, Fortescue, CPB Contractors, John Holland, Fulton Hogan
  • Set daily SEEK alerts for “Surveyor” + your state and “FIFO Surveyor”
  • Join LinkedIn groups: “Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI)”, “Australian Surveyors”

Conclusion

Becoming a registered surveyor in Australia offers outstanding salary, job security, and a straightforward path to permanent residency. Start your VETASSESS skills assessment and state board research today. Thousands of overseas surveyors have successfully made the move — with proper planning, you can be next.