Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Salary in San Diego, CA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Cartographers and Photogrammetrists in San Diego, CA have a median annual salary of $91,600, with 140 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $61,590 at the 10th percentile to $124,320 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$91,600

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$44.04

Employment

140

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$61,590
10th
$64,440
25th
$91,600
Median
$109,800
75th
$124,320
90th

Local compared with national

San Diego, CA

$91,600

Median annual · 2025

United States

$81,390

Median annual · 2025

The San Diego, CA median is 12.5% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $10,210).

Top skills

  1. 1.Reading ComprehensionImportance 4.0
  2. 2.WritingImportance 3.5
  3. 3.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.5
  4. 4.Active ListeningImportance 3.4
  5. 5.Active LearningImportance 3.3
  6. 6.SpeakingImportance 3.1
  7. 7.MonitoringImportance 3.1
  8. 8.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.1
  9. 9.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1
  10. 10.Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0
  11. 11.CoordinationImportance 3.0
  12. 12.Time ManagementImportance 3.0

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
Post-Secondary Certificate
Experience
None
Job zone
4

Technology used

  • 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
  • Boeing SoftPlotter

Common 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.
  • 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.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists salary in other locations

Other occupations in San Diego, CA