Science, Engineering & Lab career

Cartographer

Also called: GIS Analyst · Mapmaker · Photogrammetrist · Geospatial Analyst

What cartographers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a cartographer do?

Cartographers and photogrammetrists collect, analyze and interpret geographic information to create and update maps. The median pay is $81,390 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Entry-level with a degree, and employment is projected to grow +7.4% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $81,390
    $39.13/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +7.4%
    2025–35, much faster than average
  • Openings per year
    900
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Bachelor's degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    Entry-level with a degree
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    14,700
    Employment, 2025

What cartographers do

Cartographers turn location data into maps. They use GIS software, aerial and satellite imagery, lidar and survey data to build maps for governments, utilities, planners, the military and navigation apps.

A bachelor’s degree in geography, GIS or a related field is typical. BLS projects faster than average growth.

Typical duties

  • Collect geographic data
  • Analyze imagery
  • Build GIS layers
  • Design maps
  • Update maps
  • Check accuracy
  • Create web maps

Work environment and schedule

Cartographers work in offices, often remotely, with some field work.

Schedule: Full-time business hours.

A day in the life

  1. Download new imagery.
  2. Digitize roads.
  3. Process lidar data.
  4. Design a map layout.

See a full day in the life of a cartographer →

Cartographer salary

Half of cartographers earned more than $81,390 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $53,740 for the lowest 10% to $126,950 for the top 10%.

Full cartographer pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a cartographer

  1. Earn a bachelor’s
  2. Learn ArcGIS and Python
  3. Do an internship
  4. Get hired
  5. Earn the GISP

A bachelor’s degree in geography, GIS, cartography or a related field is typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a cartographer →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • GIS
  • Cartographic design
  • Remote sensing
  • Photogrammetry
  • Spatial analysis

People skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Visual design
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication

All cartographer skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Faster-than-average growth
  • Remote options
  • Mix of tech and design
  • Many industries

Cons

  • Desk-heavy
  • Detail-intensive
  • Software changes
  • Small field

Certifications and licenses

  • GISP: Certified GIS Professional.
  • Esri technical certifications: ArcGIS.
  • ASPRS certification: Photogrammetry.
  • GIS certificate: Graduate or community college.

Career path

  1. GIS Technician: Entry.
  2. Cartographer or GIS Analyst: Analyze.
  3. Senior GIS Analyst: Lead.
  4. GIS Manager: Lead programs.

Learn the job before day one

Our Cartographer training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as design a clear map layout and choose the right map projection, safety and how to land your first job.

View Cartographer trainingIs this career right for me?

Surveyor

Measure land and set official property boundaries.

  • $75,440
  • 4 years + experience

Geographer

Study places, people and the environment using maps and spatial data.

  • $102,040
  • 4-year degree

Urban Planner

Plan how cities and towns grow, from housing and parks to roads and transit.

  • $89,320
  • 6 years (bachelor’s + master’s)

Surveying Technician

Collect measurements in the field and help surveyors map land.

  • $54,240
  • 1–12 months

Compare: Cartographer vs. Surveyor · Cartographer vs. Geographer · Cartographer vs. Urban Planner · Cartographer vs. Surveying Technician

Cartographer FAQ

Is cartography still a job?

Yes, it’s grown with GIS and apps.

Is the field growing?

Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.

Can I work remotely?

Many GIS roles are remote-friendly.

How much does a cartographer make?

The median annual wage for cartographers was $81,390 ($39.13 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $53,740 and the highest 10% earned more than $126,950.

How long does it take to become a cartographer?

Most people need about Entry-level with a degree of training. A bachelor’s degree in geography, GIS, cartography or a related field is typical.

Do you need a degree to be a cartographer?

Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.

More cartographer questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz