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Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Typical education: Associate degreeLower pressure Bright Outlook

What they do

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.

Kinds of work

  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.

Lower pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $81,390 Median per year · $39.13/hr Most earn $53,740–$126,950

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
  • 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.
  • Select aerial photographic and remote sensing techniques and plotting equipment needed to meet required standards of accuracy.
  • Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
  • Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
  • Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.

Job outlook

Bright Outlook Rapid Growth

United States
7% more jobs by 2035, faster than average · about 900 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Local government, excluding education and hospitals40.6%
  • Engineering services14.3%
  • Management, scientific, and technical consulting services5.4%
  • Federal government, excluding postal service3.8%
  • State government, excluding education and hospitals3.6%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 3 to 6 months

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Associate degreeExperience before this job: 3 to 6 monthsEntry-level

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists usually start with an associate degree in GIS, cartography, or geomatics, followed by a few months of on-the-job experience. Many people can start in this job right out of a two-year program, so it's a reachable path.

  1. High school diploma with strong math, computer, and geography classes

    4 years

    Math, computer skills, and geography build the foundation for reading maps, working with data, and learning mapping software.

  2. Associate degree in GIS, cartography, or geomatics

    2 years

    You learn mapping software, spatial data, aerial and satellite imagery, and map design, which are the core skills employers look for.

  3. Cartographer and Photogrammetrist

    3-6 months of on-the-job experience

    Entry-level work usually includes preparing maps and spatial data under supervision while you learn your employer's tools and standards.

Where it can lead

  1. Senior Cartographer

    3-5 years of experience first

    You take on more complex mapping projects, lead data quality checks, and may guide newer mapping staff.

  2. GIS Manager

    5-7 years of experience first

    You oversee GIS projects and teams, set data standards, and work with leaders on how maps and spatial data are used, which usually requires strong project and communication skills.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take math and computer science classesStrong math and computer skills make learning GIS software and working with spatial data much easier later.
  • Take geography, earth science, or drafting classesThese classes teach how to read maps, understand landforms, and think about places in space.
  • Try free mapping software at home or in the libraryExploring a free tool like QGIS or an online mapping tool lets you practice making maps before college.
  • Join a robotics, coding, or science clubTeamwork and project work show you can handle the data-driven problems this career involves.
  • Look for a summer job or volunteer role with a local government officeSeeing how a city or county uses maps and data gives you early real-world exposure.

In college

  • Choose a GIS, geomatics, or cartography major or certificateThese programs teach the mapping, spatial data, and software skills this career requires.
  • Take statistics, geography, and basic programming coursesStatistics and coding help you analyze spatial data, and geography gives you context for maps.
  • Seek a GIS internship or campus research jobHands-on work with real data and clients shows employers you can apply what you learned.
  • Join a student GIS or geography clubClubs offer workshops, networking, and chances to work on group mapping projects.
  • Build a portfolio of mapsA collection of finished maps you can show during job interviews makes your skills easy to see.

Tips for getting started

  • Build a small portfolio of maps you made from real data, such as local parks, flood zones, or school bus routes. Employers often ask to see your work.
  • Learn at least one major GIS program (like ArcGIS or the free QGIS) and try basic Python scripting, since many mapping jobs use both.
  • Look for internships or part-time jobs with city, county, or state GIS offices, utilities, or environmental groups to gain real experience before you graduate.

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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