Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Career, Salary and Skills
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $81,390 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 14,260. Wage data is published for 108 locations.
Occupation 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.
O*NET code
17-1021.00
Job zone
4
Typical education
Post-Secondary Certificate
Experience
None
National salary and employment
Median annual
$81,390
Hourly median
$39.13
Employment
14,260
Data year
2025
National salary distribution
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 4.00 | 4.12 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.50 | 3.75 |
| Writing | 3.50 | 3.62 |
| Active Listening | 3.38 | 3.50 |
| Active Learning | 3.25 | 3.38 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Monitoring | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Speaking | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Coordination | 3.00 | 3.00 |
Typical tasks
- 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.
Technology
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Aerotriangulation adjustment software
- Aldus FreeHand
- Arbor Image Draftsman
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk World
- Bentley MicroStation
- Bentley Systems InRoads Suite
- Boeing Kork Digital Mapping
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Salary in TXMedian $73,970 · Employment 1,780
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Salary in CAMedian $102,780 · Employment 1,450
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Salary in COMedian $86,960 · Employment 1,220
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Salary in NCMedian $81,080 · Employment 900
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Salary in WAMedian $96,100 · Employment 870
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Salary in VAMedian $86,660 · Employment 860
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Salary in Denver, COMedian $86,080 · Employment 790
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Salary in Washington, DCMedian $86,660 · Employment 740
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Salary in ORMedian $88,240 · Employment 640
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Salary in FLMedian $79,650 · Employment 610
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Salary in Houston, TXMedian $96,390 · Employment 520
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Salary in GAMedian $62,630 · Employment 490
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- Database ArchitectsNational median $139,500
- Statistical AssistantsNational median $50,330
Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.