Working as a land surveyor while running a civil engineering design firm
I’m a licensed PE, 6 years of experience as a civil engineer in land development, currently finishing the education requirements for land surveying this August, and planning to take the FS exam shortly after. Long term, I’d like to obtain my PLS to get dual licensure. Located in Illinois.
The issue is that I don’t want to take a massive pay cut from my current engineering role making about 120k to move into an entry-level or almost entry-level surveying position as a land surveyor in training, but I also can’t think of another realistic way to get the required surveying experience without taking longer than 4 years.
Starting a solo civil firm would probably come with a pay cut too, at least the first few years, but it feels easier to justify since I’d be building something for myself and laying the groundwork/learning while still maintaining some level of steady w-2 income. Would look for a surveying specific firm to avoid conflicts of interest while being honest and upfront about my side business. The ultimate plan being to leave and add surveying services to my own repertoire upon pls licensure.
For anyone who has gone this route or done something similar:
How did it work out for you?
Were surveying firms hesitant to hire or sign off on experience if they knew you were also running your own engineering business and really only there for four years?
Are there any other good ways to get qualifying surveying experience without taking a major step backward financially?