Cartographers and Photogrammetrists earn a median of $81,390 per year ($39.13/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 7.4% through 2035, with about 900 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
- SOC 17-1021
- Architecture and Engineering
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Cartographer and Photogrammetrist in four numbers
- Median pay
- $81,390a year, or $39.13/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $54KTop 10% $127K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +7.4%Much faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+7.4%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +7.4% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 90014,700 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202514.7K
- Projected 203515.7K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 14.7K Projected 2035 15.7K - Typical education
- Bachelor'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Certificate35.7%
- Some college10.6%
- Associate's11.2%
- Bachelor's30%
- Post-bacc certificate1.5%
- Master's11%
Highest education held by cartographers and photogrammetrists Segment Value Certificate 35.7% Some college 10.6% Associate's 11.2% Bachelor's 30% Post-bacc certificate 1.5% Master's 11%
Also advertised as: Aerial Photogrammetrist, Cartographer, Cartographic Designer, Digital Cartographer, Mapper, Photogrammetric Technician.
Pay
How much do Cartographers and Photogrammetrists make?
Every cartographer and photogrammetrist in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$81,390
Middle half earn $65,670 to $101,960
- 10th
- $53,740
- 25th
- $65,670
- 75th
- $101,960
- 90th
- $126,950
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $53,740 |
| 25th | $65,670 |
| Median | $81,390 |
| 75th | $101,960 |
| 90th | $126,950 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $81,390
- Median hourly wage
- $39.13/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $86,690
- People employed
- 14,260
Versus all US occupations
At $81,390, Cartographers and Photogrammetrists earn 60% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $30,410 a year.
Versus architecture and engineering occupations
Inside the Architecture and Engineering group, where the middle occupation pays $104,110, this is 22% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $126,950 or more while the bottom 10% earn $53,740, a gap of 2.4×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 62% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
California posts the highest raw median ($102,780), but once local prices are taken into account Minnesota leads at $101,246 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Cartographers and Photogrammetrists the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1California | $102,780 | $92,829 | 1,450 |
| 2Minnesota | $99,850 | $101,246 | 100 |
| 3Washington | $96,100 | $89,802 | 870 |
| 4Nevada | $93,560 | $93,580 | 180 |
| 5Massachusetts | $92,230 | $87,209 | 160 |
| 6New York | $89,290 | $82,736 | 230 |
| 7Alaska | $89,170 | $87,115 | 60 |
| 8New Jersey | $88,480 | $81,320 | 170 |
| 9Oregon | $88,240 | $85,371 | 640 |
| 10Colorado | $86,960 | $84,385 | 1,220 |
Job outlook
Is Cartographer and Photogrammetrist a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Much faster than average. +7.4% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | +7.4% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Much faster than average
BLS projects employment of Cartographers and Photogrammetrists to change 7.4% over 2025–2035, roughly 2.1× the 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 1,100 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 900 openings are projected each year, 6.1% of the 14,700 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
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.
The use of maps for government planning should lead to employment growth. Cartographers and photogrammetrists also will be needed to map and locate areas that require help during natural disasters, often using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Getting in
How to become a Cartographer and Photogrammetrist
Cartographers and photogrammetrists typically need a bachelor’s degree in cartography, geography, geomatics, surveying, or a related field. Some cartographers and photogrammetrists may need to be licensed.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Bachelor's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Medium preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as cartographers and photogrammetrists.
- Post-Secondary Certificate35.7%
- Bachelor's Degree30%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11.2%
- Master's Degree11%
- Some College Courses10.6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 35.7% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 30% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 11.2% |
| Master's Degree | 11% |
| Some College Courses | 10.6% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Cartographer and Photogrammetrist 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.
Cartographers and photogrammetrists collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information to create and update maps and related products.
Day-to-day tasks
- Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
- Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
- Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
- 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.
- Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
- Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
- Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most cartographers and photogrammetrists work full time. They may have longer workdays while doing fieldwork.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeSeated for more than half the working day.
Standing
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely importantDealing with customers or the public is very important.
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where cartographers and photogrammetrists work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Local government, excluding education and hospitals41%
- Architectural, engineering, and related services22%
- Management, scientific, and technical consulting services5%
- Federal government4%
- State government, excluding education and hospitals4%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 41% |
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 22% |
| Management, scientific, and technical consulting services | 5% |
| Federal government | 4% |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 4% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension4.0
- Writing3.5
- Critical Thinking3.5
- Active Listening3.4
- Active Learning3.3
- Speaking3.1
- Monitoring3.1
- Mathematics2.9
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 4.0 |
| Writing | 3.5 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.5 |
| Active Listening | 3.4 |
| Active Learning | 3.3 |
| Speaking | 3.1 |
| Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Mathematics | 2.9 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Complex Problem Solving3.1
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1
- Social Perceptiveness3.0
- Coordination3.0
- Time Management3.0
- Systems Analysis2.9
- Instructing2.8
- Service Orientation2.8
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.1 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.0 |
| Coordination | 3.0 |
| Time Management | 3.0 |
| Systems Analysis | 2.9 |
| Instructing | 2.8 |
| Service Orientation | 2.8 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Desktop publishing software · in demand
- Development environment software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise application integration software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Geographic information system · in demand
- Graphics or photo imaging software · in demand
- Object or component oriented development software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Cartographer and Photogrammetrist?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Cartographer and Photogrammetrist |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 5 |
| Investigative | 5 |
| Artistic | 4 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 2 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around organising, following procedures and working precisely with data, combined with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data.
- Conventional5.3
- Investigative5.2
- Realistic4.6
- Artistic3.5
- Social1.8
- Enterprising1.6
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Cartographer and Photogrammetrist
O*NET related occupations
- Architecture and Engineering
- Architecture and Engineering
- Computer and Mathematical
Geographic Information Systems Technologist and Technician
$116,580median a year
Most earn $56K to $188K
+5.1%Bachelor's - Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Architecture and Engineering
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
More architecture and engineering careers
Median annual pay, with cartographers and photogrammetrists highlighted
- Aerospace Engineer$134,960
- Electrical Engineer$120,630
- Environmental Engineer$107,110
- Mechanical Engineer$104,110
- Automotive Engineer$104,110
- Industrial Engineer$102,440
- Civil Engineer$100,840
- Architect$99,280
- Cartographer and Photogrammetrist$81,390
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer | $134,960 |
| Electrical Engineer | $120,630 |
| Environmental Engineer | $107,110 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $104,110 |
| Automotive Engineer | $104,110 |
| Industrial Engineer | $102,440 |
| Civil Engineer | $100,840 |
| Architect | $99,280 |
| Cartographer and Photogrammetrist | $81,390 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Cartographer and Photogrammetrist appears on
Questions
Cartographer and Photogrammetrist: frequently asked questions
How much do Cartographers and Photogrammetrists make?
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists earn a median of $81,390 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 60% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $39.13/hr. The middle half earn between $65,670 and $101,960. The top 10% earn $126,950 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Cartographer and Photogrammetrist?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as medium preparation. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 35.7% hold post-secondary certificate.
Is Cartographer and Photogrammetrist a growing career?
Yes, strongly. Employment is projected to grow 7.4% over 2025–2035, more than double the 3.5% projected for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 900 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Cartographer and Photogrammetrist do?
Cartographers and photogrammetrists collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information to create and update maps and related products. A core O*NET task: compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps. Employers most often ask for Computer aided design CAD software, Data base user interface and query software, Desktop publishing software.
Which states pay Cartographers and Photogrammetrists the most?
The highest state medians for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists are California ($102,780), Minnesota ($99,850), Washington ($96,100) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Minnesota moves to the top at $101,246.
What personality type suits a Cartographer and Photogrammetrist?
O*NET scores Cartographers and Photogrammetrists highest on the Conventional, Investigative and Realistic interest areas, so the work mixes organising, following procedures and working precisely with data with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping the closest types are ISTJ, INTJ. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.