22 Business Ideas For Surveyors [2024]
Interested in starting a business as a surveyor in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as a surveyor could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Surveyors?
We put together 22 of some of the best surveyor business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other surveyor businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a data analysis service ($42.6K/month)
As a surveyor, you could leverage your analytical skills to start a lucrative data analysis service. With businesses increasingly relying on data to drive their decisions, you have the opportunity to provide valuable insights into customer behavior, optimize marketing campaigns, and aid companies in making informed choices.
By utilizing your expertise in data interpretation, alongside strong communication skills, you could effectively present complex data findings to clients in a comprehensible manner. This service not only offers substantial income potential but also allows you to make a significant impact by helping businesses harness the power of their data.
How much you can make: $20 — $250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Founder of PropertyData creates a subscription website for UK property investors and developers that is now making $128,000 per month in recurring revenue.
2. Start a data mining and analytics tools business ($237K/month)
As a surveyor, you could leverage your expertise in spatial data and metrics to pivot into a data mining and analytics tools business. This venture would involve developing software to extract, process, and analyze massive datasets, turning raw information into actionable insights. By applying your knowledge of data gathering and analysis, you could create specialized tools that serve a variety of industries, such as finance, healthcare, and retail.
The demand for data-driven decision-making is skyrocketing, offering you a significant market opportunity. Imagine providing businesses with the robust intelligence they need to refine strategies, optimize operations, and achieve their goals. This entrepreneurial path could not only supplement your current income but also position you at the forefront of industry transformations through innovative analytics solutions.
How much you can make: $450 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 107 days (?)
Parseur, the data extraction tool, helps businesses automate their data entry process, catering to multiple industries such as food delivery, real estate and marketing, and has grown to over $40k in revenue per month since its launch in 2017.
3. Start a data protection tool business ($525K/month)
Starting a data protection tool business as a surveyor could be an excellent way to supplement your income and leverage your existing skill set. With the increasing emphasis on protecting sensitive data in today's digital landscape, you could develop software solutions that help companies safeguard personal and organizational information from breaches, leaks, and unauthorized access.
Your expertise in handling and managing data as a surveyor could give you a unique perspective on the importance of data security, making you well-suited to create tools that ensure compliance and security. This is a lucrative opportunity as the demand for robust data protection continues to grow across all industries.
By focusing on encryption, secure storage, and advanced threat detection, your solutions could become essential assets for modern enterprises. Given the rising frequency of cyber-attacks, businesses are increasingly eager to invest in top-notch security measures, offering you a profitable avenue to explore in the tech sector.
How much you can make: $100 — $6,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 227 days (?)
Spokeo is a people information service helping over 15 million users a month search and connect with others through organizing over 14 billion records into easy-to-understand reports generating over $6M per month.
4. Start a help desk software ($238K/month)
As a Surveyor, you could leverage your expertise in project management, data collection, and client communication to develop a help desk software tailored for firms that require efficient customer support. This side business opportunity involves creating a platform to manage customer inquiries, tech support, and troubleshooting—areas critical to operational efficiency in many industries. By focusing on features like multi-channel support, automated workflows, and real-time analytics, you could offer a solution addressing common pain points businesses face.
Developing help desk software could also capitalize on your existing network of clients and colleagues who already trust your professional skills. This effort requires a solid understanding of IT infrastructure, coding, and customer service practices, but the investment can lead to a scalable product that caters to the growing demands for excellent customer service.
By entering this market, you have the potential to create a significant supplementary income stream or even transition into a new full-time venture that impacts businesses positively, enhances user satisfaction, and fosters operational efficiency.
How much you can make: $4,500 — $830,000/month
How long does it take to build: 178 days (?)
Senthil Kumar spearheads Siva Solutions Inc, a game-changing digital marketing and software development company which caters to dentists using an array of well-crafted products to manage patient data and inquiries, thus enabling efficient management of processes, while boosting them to the 1st page on Google.
5. Become a tech rentals provider ($150K/month)
As a Surveyor, starting a tech rentals provider could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even transition into a new business entirely. With your understanding of high-tech surveying equipment and the growing demand for short-term leases on the latest gadgets, you could offer specialized devices like drones, GPS units, and advanced measuring tools to fellow professionals in your industry. This niche focus could set your business apart and provide a steady stream of clients who need access to these costly technologies without a long-term investment.
In addition, leveraging the popularity of the sharing economy, you could expand beyond surveying tools to include a broad array of cutting-edge tech for businesses and consumers. Utilizing your existing network and expertise, you could offer tailored support and excellent customer service, key to retaining clients and driving repeat business. With tech rentals estimated to generate considerable revenue per employee, this venture provides a lucrative opportunity to diversify your income streams and pave the way for entrepreneurial success.
How much you can make: $100,000 — $200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)
DeepBench, a company disrupting the expert network industry, offers a platform connecting clients with expert advisors for informed decision making, serving over 450 clients and 25,000 advisors and achieving their best quarter yet in Q1 2021.
6. Become an IT consultant ($482K/month)
Starting a side business as an IT consultant could be a promising way to supplement your income as a Surveyor. Given your analytical skills and experience with data interpretation, you could leverage your expertise to evaluate and improve a company's IT systems. You already possess a keen eye for technical details and problem-solving, making the transition to IT consulting a natural fit.
By becoming an IT consultant, you could help businesses analyze their IT infrastructure, identify inefficiencies, and design tailored solutions to meet their objectives. This not only adds a valuable dimension to your professional skill set but also opens up new streams of revenue without straying far from your existing career. The capability to balance both surveying and IT consulting makes it a versatile and lucrative avenue for entrepreneurial-minded surveyors.
How much you can make: $2,100 — $4,166,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study features Md. Yousuf Ali, the founder of Rank Trends, who shares how he started a successful digital marketing agency, which generated a revenue of over $6k per month through SEO and video production services.
7. Start a customer intelligence analytics business ($107K/month)
As a Surveyor, you could leverage your analytical skills and keen attention to detail to start a customer intelligence analytics business. This venture involves analyzing customer data to generate insights that can help businesses make better decisions regarding marketing, sales strategies, and customer retention.
Considering your existing expertise in gathering and interpreting data, you could easily transition into this field and provide valuable services to businesses looking to understand their customers better. Given that platforms like Verint’s customer intelligence analytics are in high demand and generated $1.3B in revenue in 2022, there is considerable potential for supplemental income or even a full-fledged business venture in this space.
Moreover, your strong communication skills would aid you in conveying these insights effectively to business clients, making them more likely to benefit from and value your services. Embracing this opportunity could diversify your income streams while tapping into a rapidly growing market.
How much you can make: $100 — $840,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
EspoCRM, an open-source CRM application for small and mid-size businesses, has seen an average of over 16,000 downloads per year and makes up to $30k per month, offering efficient tools to systematize customer data, improve sales cycles, and automate routine administrative tasks.
8. Start a data analytics software business ($454K/month)
Starting a data analytics software business as a Surveyor could be a natural extension of your expertise in interpreting spatial information and making data-driven decisions. You could develop software tailored to the geospatial industry, enabling clients to better visualize and analyze survey data for more accurate and efficient land assessments.
By creating custom reporting tools and dashboards, you could help other surveyors, urban planners, and real estate developers make better-informed decisions. Marketing your software to emphasize its user-friendly interface and its ability to streamline data interpretation could make it an invaluable tool in the field.
Not only would this venture supplement your income, but it also leverages your deep understanding of the survey industry to build a business that fills a significant gap in the market.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Diesel Laptops, a B2B company that sells diesel diagnostic hardware, software, and services, successfully doubled revenue each year to make $20 million annually within three years, grew from its founder's garage and dining room table to a 21,000 square foot facility with over 90 employees by listening to customer pain points and offering the bundled products, technical support and repair information to attract and retain diesel technicians and repair shop owners.
9. Start a medical scrubs business
As a surveyor, starting a medical scrubs business could be a lucrative side venture that complements your existing professional life. With the medical industry being one of the largest globally, and the medical clothing market projected to reach $173 billion by 2029, there is a significant opportunity for growth and profit. By tapping into this extensive market, you could diversify your income streams with a relatively small initial investment.
This business idea is particularly appealing because it allows you to leverage your attention to detail and precision—skills honed through surveying—to source quality materials and create high-standard products. Plus, by marketing to the vast network of healthcare professionals, you could establish a steady customer base. This venture not only supplements your income but also sets the foundation for a potentially full-fledged business, bringing you closer to financial independence.
10. Start a helicopter transportation service
As a surveyor, starting a helicopter transportation service could offer unique opportunities to supplement your income and expand your professional reach. Utilizing your expertise in land assessment and topographical mapping, you could offer specialized aerial survey services that provide clients with a comprehensive view of challenging or remote terrains. This integration of helicopter transportation and surveying could make you a go-to resource for high-altitude, large-scale, or otherwise difficult-to-access projects.
Beyond aerial surveys, you could diversify your service offerings by providing transportation solutions for other industries, such as emergency services, tourism, or even expedited transport of goods and personnel for businesses operating in remote locations. This side business could not only create a steady stream of additional revenue but also elevate your standing within the professional community, showcasing your adaptability and innovative approach.
By leveraging your existing network and technical skills, you could develop a niche market, offering services that few other surveyors provide. This entrepreneurial venture could position you well for future growth and expansion within both the surveying and aviation sectors.
11. Start a weed podcast
Starting a weed podcast could be a lucrative side business for a Surveyor, leveraging your analytical skills and attention to detail. As someone who likely enjoys exploring different terrains and local regulations, you could create content around the evolving legal landscape of cannabis, interviewing experts and sharing insights on land usage for cannabis cultivation.
Additionally, your technical expertise with surveying tools could make for interesting discussions on technology's role in the cannabis industry, such as mapping out optimal growing conditions. By combining your professional knowledge with a trending topic, you could attract a diverse audience and monetize your podcast through sponsorships and advertisements.
12. Start a Halal online marketplace ($1M/month)
As a surveyor, your precise and detail-oriented nature could be an excellent asset when starting a Halal online marketplace. The introduction of online marketplaces opens a new entrepreneurial avenue where you could leverage your analytical skills to research and verify a wide range of Halal products, ensuring compliance with religious requirements.
Furthermore, your project management experience would be invaluable in developing a sound business strategy and implementing best practices. This venture could allow you to build a platform focusing on a specific religion or region, creating a niche market that can supplement your income or serve as a full-scale business endeavor.
How much you can make: $200,000 — $1,800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
HalalWorldDepot is a Halal online marketplace that started three years ago as a meat and grocery delivery service and has now expanded to offer a wide variety of Halal products, with a customer return rate of 50-60%, profitability at 16-25%, and over 10,000 customers, with plans to expand to Canada and the United Kingdom within three to five years.
13. Become an author ($227K/month)
As a Surveyor, you could leverage your extensive knowledge and experiences in your field to become an author. Writing books, novels, or articles about topics such as land surveying techniques, industry trends, best practices, and personal anecdotes from the field could resonate with both professionals and enthusiasts alike. This not only allows you to supplement your income through book sales and royalties but also positions you as an expert in your niche, potentially opening doors to speaking engagements and workshops.
Pursuing traditional publishing routes could provide you with a wider platform, as your manuscript may be reviewed and published by a reputable house, ensuring professional editing and marketing support. Alternatively, self-publishing offers complete control over your work, allowing you to independently publish and market your books to a targeted audience, building a direct connection with your readers.
Starting an author side business as a Surveyor can be a fulfilling way to share your expertise, inspire others, and diversify your income streams.
How much you can make: $200 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
This case study follows full-time thriller and action-adventure author Nick Thacker who earns between $10k to $20k per month from writing, predominantly through Amazon Kindle Unlimited sales, and goes in-depth into his self-publishing strategy which maximizes sales and minimizes costs, such as developing a mailing list and utilizing print-on-demand services.
14. Become a financial advisor ($240K/month)
As a surveyor, you could consider supplementing your income by starting a side business as a financial advisor. Your analytical skills and attention to detail could lend themselves well to offering personalized advice on investments and financial planning, helping clients manage their money and reach their financial goals.
You could leverage your existing client base and network to find potential financial advisory clients, making the transition smoother. With relevant certifications and a solid financial background, coupled with the people skills you've honed in your surveying career, you could build credibility and create a rewarding side business that complements your main profession.
How much you can make: $5,600 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,550 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner earns $100,000 a month from Making Sense of Cents, a personal finance and lifestyle blog where she writes informative and fun articles about financial freedom and her life on the road, thanks to a diversified traffic approach and monetization strategies, such as affiliate marketing, sponsored partnerships, and course sales.
15. Start a tech magazine
Starting a tech magazine could align well with your skills and experience as a Surveyor. You have firsthand knowledge of the latest surveying technologies, equipment, and software, which could provide valuable content for tech enthusiasts and professionals in the field. Your deep understanding of the technical aspects and industry trends would allow you to offer insightful reviews, how-to guides, and expert opinions, making your magazine a trusted resource.
Moreover, you could leverage your professional network to feature interviews with industry experts and case studies that showcase innovative surveying projects. By sharing your expertise and staying ahead of tech advancements, you can create a niche publication that appeals to both fellow surveyors and a broader audience interested in tech solutions for land and construction projects. This side business could not only supplement your income but also elevate your professional profile within the industry.
16. Start a software integration plugin ($33.3K/month)
As a Surveyor, you could venture into developing a software integration plugin tailored specifically for your industry. Surveyors often juggle multiple software tools for tasks such as data collection, mapping, and project management, making the seamless integration of these tools highly valuable. A custom integration plugin could bridge these disparate systems, automating data flows and reducing the need for manual data entry.
Creating such a plugin would involve understanding the APIs of the most commonly used software in your field, designing an intuitive interface, and rigorously testing for compatibility. There is a significant opportunity to offer specialized features, updates, and technical support to meet the unique needs of fellow Surveyors. This side business not only supplements your income but also positions you as a tech-savvy problem-solver in the surveying community, adding value to your professional network.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,550 (?)
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
Gorilla ROI is a Google Sheets add-on that connects Amazon Seller Central to Google Sheets, now bringing in $12,000/month through organic inbound marketing, and focusing on scalability before any heavy push towards outbound marketing.
17. Start a transportation service ($331K/month)
Starting a transportation service could be a lucrative side business for a surveyor, as your fieldwork often involves navigating various locations and understanding logistics. This knowledge could translate well into operating a transportation business that offers ridesharing services, hauls consumer goods, or ships supplies and products. By leveraging your existing familiarity with various locales and transportation routes, you could efficiently target individual passengers, other companies, or even global business partners.
To get started, you would need to decide who and what you will serve, set up the business structure, register your business, and apply for the necessary business licenses and permits. Implementing proper hiring procedures and keeping up with maintenance and recertifications are crucial steps to ensure your business remains profitable. Utilizing your organizational skills and attention to detail, traits honed as a surveyor, could help you excel in managing a successful transportation service.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $1,080,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Deepfinity, a proptech/logistics company, has developed an internal parcel tracking software tool that's helping large buildings cope with the influx of online shopping, and has been growing 20% MoM since making its first revenue 1.5 years ago, currently making $6K/Month.
18. Start a camper van bar business
As a surveyor, your skill set and attention to detail could be invaluable in starting a camper van bar business. You could leverage your project management expertise to efficiently retrofit a vintage camper van into a captivating mobile bar, ensuring all elements are meticulously planned and executed.
This entrepreneurial venture allows you to capitalize on your analytical skills to navigate the logistics of permits, locations, and supply chains. Additionally, the flexibility of a mobile bar means you could tailor your services to various events like festivals, private parties, or even construction sites, where your industry connections might provide an eager initial customer base.
This unique business model offers you the opportunity to supplement your income while tapping into your creative side, creating memorable experiences that stand out in a crowded bar market. The potential to build a community of loyal patrons who eagerly await your next appearance makes this a promising and exciting side business for a surveyor looking to diversify.
How much you can make: $15,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
This case study follows the co-founder of Camper Cafe, a mobile coffee van business which started as a hobby and now has 6 units that supply the UK's biggest sporting events, commercial and film shoots, generating around £150k from working only 70 days of the year.
19. Start a bead making business
As a surveyor, you could leverage your keen eye for detail and precision by starting a bead making business. Your expertise in measurements and spatial awareness would be invaluable when designing intricate bead patterns and selecting high-quality materials, ensuring your products stand out in the market.
Additionally, bead making provides a creative outlet and flexible schedule, allowing you to supplement your income during downtime between surveying projects. This side business could eventually grow into a full-time venture or remain a profitable hobby, providing a balance between your professional skills and personal creativity.
20. Sell leather accessories ($33.9K/month)
As a Surveyor, you could leverage your keen eye for precision and detail by entering the leather accessories market, a field known for its demand for high-quality craftsmanship. Your existing skill set in measurement and spatial awareness can be incredibly beneficial in designing and producing intricate leather goods such as wallets, belts, and bags. The leather industry, with its rich history and steady growth, offers lucrative opportunities as it targets elite consumers who favor premium, well-crafted products.
You could start this venture as a side business, creating bespoke leather items in your spare time, gradually expanding as demand increases. Alternatively, you could collaborate with manufacturers to become a distributor or retailer, using your analytical skills to identify market trends and consumer preferences, ensuring that your offerings meet the highest standards. This diversification could supplement your income and provide a rewarding creative outlet while allowing you to tap into a market projected to exceed $623.44 billion in the next few years.
How much you can make: $515 — $100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 400 days (?)
Silviano Sleeve Co-Founder Sonal Malhotra successfully raised $35k for their world’s first voice-activated luxury leather laptop sleeve through crowdfunding, which was fully funded in less than three hours.
21. Start a fitness and wellness programs business ($64.7K/month)
As a surveyor, you could leverage your analytical skills and discipline to start a fitness and wellness programs business. This idea could involve offering fitness classes, nutritional advice, and wellness practices like meditation and yoga, tailored to individuals, small groups, and even corporate clients who are looking to improve their overall wellbeing. Your ability to strategically plan and execute projects could translate well into creating personalized programs that cater to the specific needs of your clientele.
Surveying requires precision and attention to detail, qualities that could help you design effective and comprehensive health programs. By utilizing social media to showcase the benefits of a balanced lifestyle, you could build a community around health and wellness. This business not only has the potential to supplement your income but also offers the opportunity to make a significant positive impact on people's lives by promoting holistic health practices.
How much you can make: $250 — $275,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Serena Jenkins-Hannah created a fitness brand, Serena Hannah Athletics, that has generated over $100,000 in sales over a year and a half, with $70,000 of those sales coming during COVID-19, through selling their #1 item, the Hannah Booty Band System, on Amazon, and has now expanded to Shopify to add cash flow.
22. Start an email marketing business ($1.72M/month)
Starting an email marketing business could be a lucrative side venture for a surveyor, leveraging your industry knowledge and network to create tailored marketing campaigns. You could offer services to real estate firms, construction companies, or land development agencies, promoting their services and updates via well-crafted email newsletters and promotional content. Your expertise in the field would allow you to create content that resonates with these niche audiences, knowing exactly what appeals to them.
Additionally, you could build a subscriber list comprised of industry contacts and interested parties, ensuring a high engagement rate. Proficiency in email marketing software like Mailchimp or Constant Contact would be essential. By managing this business alongside your surveying career, you could supplement your income while building valuable marketing skills.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
