Cartographers and photogrammetrists
SOC Code: 17-1021Also known as:
Aerial Photogrammetrist, Cadastral Mapper, Cartographer, Cartographic Designer, Cartographic Drafter
Median Annual Salary
$78,380
+6.4% growth (2024-2034)
1K
Openings/Year
13K
Current Jobs
What 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.
💰 Salary
$78,380
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+6.4%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
1K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
13,400
Projected Employment (2034)
14,300
Related Careers
Computer occupations, all other
$108,970 •
+8.2% growth
Surveying and mapping technicians
$51,940 •
+4.5% growth
Life, physical, and social science technicians, all other
$60,130 •
+3.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Active Learning
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
- Build and update digital databases.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Cartographers and photogrammetrists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a cartographers and photogrammetrists:
Geographic Information Science and Cartography
3,577 degrees awarded •
247 colleges offer this program
Surveying Technology/Surveying
1,046 degrees awarded •
79 colleges offer this program
Surveying Engineering
99 degrees awarded •
14 colleges offer this program
Geospatial Intelligence
53 degrees awarded •
6 colleges offer this program
Signal/Geospatial Intelligence
52 degrees awarded •
8 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Cartographers and photogrammetrists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become cartographers and photogrammetrists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cartographers and photogrammetrists make?
The median annual salary for cartographers and photogrammetrists is $78,380.
What education do cartographers and photogrammetrists need?
Most cartographers and photogrammetrists positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Geographic Information Science and Cartography, Surveying Technology/Surveying, Surveying Engineering.
Is becoming cartographers and photogrammetrists a good career choice?
Cartographers and photogrammetrists is projected to see +6.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 1,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for cartographers and photogrammetrists?
Top colleges for aspiring cartographers and photogrammetrists include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Southern California, University of California-Santa Barbara, United States Military Academy, United States Air Force Academy.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to cartographers and photogrammetrists?
Cartographers and photogrammetrists may also be known as: Aerial Photogrammetrist, Cadastral Mapper, Cartographer, Cartographic Designer, Cartographic Drafter, Cartography Technician, Data Mapper, Digital Cartographer, Field Map Editor, Geospatial Specialist, Imagery Analyst, LIDAR Technician (Light Detection and Ranging Technician), Map Editor, Map Maker, Mapper, Maritime Cartographer, Orthophotography Technician, Photo Cartographer, Photogrammetric Engineer, Photogrammetric Technician.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.