Shigoto Zukan
日本語

How to become cartographers and photogrammetristseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Architecture Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$81,390
25th–75th pct. $65,670–$101,960
Top pay (est.)
$165,000
Top 10% $126,950
Pay in 5 years
$92,500est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$105,200est.
$90,500–$122,100
Outlook score
54/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
69%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+7.4%
900 openings / yr

How to become cartographers and photogrammetrists

Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
4.1
Critical Thinking
3.8
Writing
3.6
Active Listening
3.5
Active Learning
3.4
Judgment and Decision Making
3.1
Time Management
3.1
Complex Problem Solving
3.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Geography
6.2
Computers and Electronics
4.9
Design
4.3
Mathematics
4.2
English Language
4.1
Education and Training
4.0
Administrative
3.6
Administration and Management
3.3

What the work involves

Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeProcessing InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsThinking CreativelyCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Important abilities

Near VisionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionOral ExpressionInductive ReasoningWritten Expression

Education of workers

Post-secondary certificate
36%
Bachelor's degree
30%
Associate's degree
11%
Master's degree
11%
Some college
11%
Post-bachelor's certificate
1%

Training before entry

None / short demo
25%
3–6 months
16%
2–4 years
2%

Related work experience

2–4 years
25%
3–6 months
21%
1–2 years
13%
Over 10 years
2%
8–10 years
2%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as cartographers and photogrammetrists

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.