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Career overview · SOC 17-1021

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.

Also called: Aerial Photogrammetrist · Cartographer · Cartographic Designer · Digital Cartographer · Mapper · Photogrammetric Technician

Median pay (national)
$78,380
$50,500–$121,440 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
12,790
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+6.4%
~1,000 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for cartographers and photogrammetrists shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $121,440 versus $50,500 at the bottom 10% — 2.4x. The median of $78,380 leaves roughly 55% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +6.4% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 1,000 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 44 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $117,960, +50% vs the national median), while Kansas sits lowest at $50,500 — a 134% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Writing, Critical Thinking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags ESRI ArcGIS software, Geographic information system GIS systems as in-demand technologies for this role.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Active Learning
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
  • Mathematics
  • Learning Strategies
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
  • Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
  • Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
  • Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
  • Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
  • Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
  • Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
  • Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
  • Build and update digital databases.
  • Determine map content and layout, as well as production specifications such as scale, size, projection, and colors, and direct production to ensure that specifications are followed.

Tools & technology

  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • C
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • JavaScript Object Notation JSON
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Oracle Database
  • Python
  • SAP software

Knowledge areas

  • Geography
  • Computers and Electronics
  • English Language
  • Design
  • Mathematics
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Education and Training