Cartographers and Photogrammetrists earn $81,390 nationally at the median. The middle 50% of workers fall between $65,670 and $101,960. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and experience.
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.
Also known as:
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists earn $81,390 nationally, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $65,670 and $101,960. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.
Above the national median for college graduates.
25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.
O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.
Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.
This career demands analytical thinking: researching problems, interpreting data, and applying logical reasoning to find practical solutions.
Hands-on tasks, physical activity, or working with tools and real materials are central parts of the daily work here.
What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.
Split between indoor and outdoor or field settings.
Mix of sitting and movement throughout the day.
Moderate pressure. Regular deadlines exist but are generally manageable with experience.
The BLS projects +6.4% employment change for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists through 2034, roughly in line with the national average of +5%. About 1,000 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.
About as fast as average.
New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.
Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.
The five states below employ the most Cartographers and Photogrammetrists professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $81,390 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.
| # | State | Jobs | Median Wage | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 1,550 | $71,970 | -11.6% |
| 2 | Colorado | 1,380 | $78,030 | -4.1% |
| 3 | California | 1,070 | $106,610 | +31.0% |
| 4 | Virginia | 750 | $77,930 | -4.3% |
| 5 | Washington | 670 | $93,030 | +14.3% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →
Most Cartographers and Photogrammetrists positions require a bachelor's degree to qualify. The 5 programs below are the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.
These positions typically require a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience before advancing into senior roles.
| # | Program | Graduates/yr | 4yr Median | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Public Safety | 8,130 | $57,805 | 498 |
| 2 | Geography | 7,541 | $57,853 | 525 |
| 3 | Intelligence | 3,962 | $75,803 | 79 |
| 4 | Engineering-Related Tech | 1,144 | $74,842 | 122 |
| 5 | Surveying Engineering | 123 | $78,638 | 27 |
Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.
| # | College | UCD Score | Net Price | Salary 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States Naval Academy Annapolis, MD | 97 | — | — |
| 2 | United States Air Force Academy USAF Academy, CO | 96 | — | — |
| 3 | United States Military Academy West Point, NY | 96 | — | — |
| 4 | University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA | 93 | $12,548 | $82,511 |
| 5 | University of Florida Gainesville, FL | 93 | $6,541 | $71,588 |
| 6 | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Atlanta, GA | 91 | $12,116 | $102,772 |
Once you've sized up Cartographers and Photogrammetrists, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.
See if the degree that leads to Cartographers and Photogrammetrists pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings graduates see.
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Strong earnings and growing demand make Cartographers and Photogrammetrists a compelling path. The 3 strengths and 1 trade-offs below are drawn from BLS wage data and employment projections.
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