Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Cartographers and photogrammetrists collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information to create and update maps and related products.
Is cartographers and photogrammetrists a good career?
It scores 24/100 and ranks #239 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($81,390 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What cartographers and photogrammetrists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. cartographers and photogrammetrists earn between $65,670 and $101,960 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live cartographers and photogrammetrists jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow faster than average through 2034.
Education
Cartographers and photogrammetrists typically need a bachelor’s degree in cartography, geography, geomatics, surveying, or a related field. (Geomatics combines a variety of disciplines, such as engineering, natural resources, and mathematics.)
Coursework in these programs may include Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, remote sensing, and other technical subjects.
Aspiring cartographers and photogrammetrists may gain practical experience while in school by completing internships, such as in GIS, with private firms or government agencies.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Licensing requirements for cartographers and photogrammetrists vary. They may be state- or employer-specific and depend on job duties.
Certification for cartographers and photogrammetrists is usually optional. Certification may demonstrate competence and may make candidates more competitive when looking for a job.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Cartographers and photogrammetrists must be able to convey technical information clearly in nontechnical ways. Both written and oral communication are important.
Computer skills. Cartographers and photogrammetrists must be able to work with GIS and other technology to collect and process data and with software to create maps.
Critical-thinking skills. Cartographers and photogrammetrists interpret information from a variety of sources, as well as from existing maps, surveys, and other records. They must be able to determine the accuracy and relevance of the features they are mapping.
Detail oriented. Cartographers and photogrammetrists must pay attention to detail when interpreting data and deciding what information to include in maps.
Problem-solving skills. Cartographers and photogrammetrists must be able to reconcile differences between aerial photographs, land surveys, satellite images, and other sources they integrate into maps.
Related occupations
How much do cartographers and photogrammetrists make?
The national median wage is $81,390 a year, with the middle half earning between $65,670 and $101,960 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is cartographers and photogrammetrists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 24 of 100 and ranks #239 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +6.4% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a cartographers and photogrammetrist?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do cartographers and photogrammetrists earn the most?
Among states, California pays the highest median ($102,780). Local pay for every state and metro is below.