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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Median Salary
76,210
Job Outlook
+6%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of cartographers and photogrammetrists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,000 openings for cartographers and photogrammetrists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$33,860

10%

$76,210

Median

$98,810

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Post-secondary certificate

    35%

  • Bachelor's degree

    30%

  • Associate's degree

    11%

  • Some college

    10%

  • Master's degree

    10%

  • Post baccalaureate

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Geographic Information Science and Cartography
  • Surveying Technology/Surveying
  • Geospatial Intelligence
  • Surveying Engineering
  • Signal/Geospatial Intelligence

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Geography
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Design
  • Mathematics
  • English Language

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.