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Engineering

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

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.

Median salary (BLS)

$81,390

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$54k – $127k

Job outlook

+6% (faster than average)

AI exposure

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $99,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Bachelor's degree

Plan my path to this →

Typical progression

  1. Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Intern

    Internship

    $36,000

    ~4 mos to advance

  2. Junior Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

    Entry / Junior

    $53,740

    ~2 yrs to advance

  3. Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

    Established

    $81,390

    ~3 yrs to advance

  4. Senior Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

    Senior

    $104,170

Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.

Key skills

A typical day

  • •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.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Engineering

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.