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Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

General Information

Description

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.

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Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Industry areas

  • Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Job Outlook

Employment of cartographers and photogrammetrists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2021 to 2031, slower than the average for all occupations. Despitelimitedemployment growth, about 1,000 openings for cartographers and photogrammetrists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most 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.

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Job Outlook

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Employment of cartographers and photogrammetrists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2021 to 2031, slower than the average for all occupations. Despitelimitedemployment growth, about 1,000 openings for cartographers and photogrammetrists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most 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.

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      • Geospatial imaging specialists perform the collection, analysis, and dissemination of geospatial imagery to support war fighting operations and other activities. They operate geographic information systems (GIS) that store and analyze maps and other geographic information. Intelligence derived by the geospatial imaging specialist is critical for mission success at the national, theater, and tactical levels. As such, they disseminate multi-sensor geospatial intelligence products to appropriate parties.   Navigate to Military Career Page
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      • Intelligence specialists play a key role in ensuring that military operations are planned using the most accurate, current information about enemy forces and capabilities. They oversee efforts to collect, exploit, develop, analyze, and produce intelligence information for dissemination to key military leaders and consumers worldwide. The results of their work are used to develop targets and provide situational awareness to operations personnel and key leadership. Intelligence specialists may focus on one type of intelligence information, such as signals or human intelligence, or may consolidate all sources into usable products. Navigate to Military Career Page
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    • Surveying, Mapping, and Drafting Technicians
      • Surveying, mapping, and drafting technicians help determine, describe, and record geographic areas or features. They conduct land surveys, take measurements, make maps, and prepare detailed plans and drawings for construction projects. They are sometimes called upon to provide maps and surveys that locate military targets and help plot troop movements. These technicians play key roles in the collection and analysis of geospatial information. Navigate to Military Career Page
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Salary

Average Salary

Salary

$68,900

Military salary*

$55,934

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State-by-state Salary

Gray states indicate no data available

$98,830
$38,790
No Information for this section

Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Post-secondary certificate 35%
  • Bachelor's degree 30%
  • Associate's degree 11%
  • Some college 10%
  • Master's degree 10%
  • Post baccalaureate 1%
  • High school 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%

Related College Majors

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Knowledge

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

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership
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* Military pay may be higher based on specialty pays or bonuses. Learn more about Military benefits.

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.