Cartographers and photogrammetrists collect, measure, and interpret geographic information in order to create and update maps and charts for regional planning, education, emergency response, and other purposes.
Although cartographers and photogrammetrists spend much of their time in offices, certain jobs require extensive travel to locations that are being mapped.
A bachelor's degree in cartography, geography, geomatics (the discipline that combines the science, engineering, math, and art of collecting and managing geographically referenced information), or surveying is the most common path of entry into this occupation. Cartographers and photogrammetrists must be licensed in some states.
The median annual wage for cartographers and photogrammetrists was $61,880 in May 2015.
Employment of cartographers and photogrammetrists is projected to grow 29 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing use of maps for government planning should fuel employment growth. For this reason, job prospects are likely to be excellent.
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for cartographers and photogrammetrists.
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of cartographers and photogrammetrists with similar occupations.
Learn more about cartographers and photogrammetrists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-2024 Edition
Interesting Fact
Before becoming an actress and comedian, Whoopi Goldberg worked as a bricklayer, a bank teller, and even as a makeup artist at a funeral parlor.
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