Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

SOC code 17-1021 · O*NET-SOC 17-1021.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$81,390

a year

Hourly

$39.13

per hour

10th$53,740Median$81,39090th$126,950

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$86,690

$41.68 per hour

Middle 50%

$65,670 – $101,960

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$53,740 – $126,950

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

14,260

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $53,740; $25.84/hr
25th percentile: $65,670; $31.57/hr
Median percentile: $81,390; $39.13/hr
75th percentile: $101,960; $49.02/hr
90th percentile: $126,950; $61.03/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+6%

Growing faster than average

13,400

jobs in 2024

14,300

projected for 2034

About 900 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do cartographers and photogrammetrists 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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.
Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
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.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 36% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Post-Secondary Certificate36%
Bachelor's Degree30%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11%
Master's Degree11%

Common questions

How much does a cartographers and photogrammetrists earn?

The national median is $81,390 a year. The full range runs from $53,740 at the 10th percentile to $126,950 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a cartographers and photogrammetrists without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is cartographers and photogrammetrists in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 6% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Writing3.5/5
Critical Thinking3.5/5
Active Listening3.4/5
Active Learning3.3/5
Speaking3.1/5
Monitoring3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Geography4.5/5
Computers and Electronics4.2/5
English Language3.5/5
Design3.4/5
Mathematics3.3/5
Customer and Personal Service2.9/5
Engineering and Technology2.8/5
Education and Training2.8/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness.