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Cartographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cartographer

$56K - $109K/yr

Basic Requirement for Cartographer: A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in cartography, or a degree with a major that included or was supplemented by at least 30 semester hours in ...

Cartographer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$68K - $172K/yr

Learn more about this agency Duties Help As a Cartographer at CIA, you will research, design, and produce maps to support CIA intelligence analysis. You will receive internal training and participate ...

Mid-Level Cartographer - TS/SCISt. Louis, MOTS/SCI Security Clearance Wiser offers innovative solutions to clients in the public, private, and government sectors. We combine technology and expertise ...

New

$82K - $140K/yr

Perform cartographic finishing, feature extraction, and data content management to customer data standards and in accordance with project specific guidance. Manage a geospatial database. Perform QA/Q ...

Mid-Level Cartographer - TS/SCI St. Louis, MO TS/SCI Security Clearance Wiser offers innovative solutions to clients in the public, private, and government sectors. We combine technology and ...

Ardent is seeking a Mid-Level Cartographer to join our team. This is a full-time, on-site position in Washington, D.C. Position Description: Ardent is seeking a Mid-Level Cartographer to serve as the ...

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Cartographer information

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$36.5K

$76.3K

$113.5K

How much do cartographer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for cartographer in the United States is $76,279.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $94,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cartographer?

Cartographers are professionals who specialize in the creation and design of maps. They use various sources of geographic data, such as satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and surveys, to compile and update maps for a range of purposes, including navigation, education, urban planning, and environmental studies. Cartographers must have strong analytical and technical skills to accurately represent physical and human-made features. They often use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other digital tools to produce both printed and interactive digital maps. Their work is essential for helping people visualize and understand spatial information.

What is the difference between Cartographer vs GIS Technician?

AspectCartographerGIS Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Geography, Cartography, or related field; GIS certification often preferredBachelor's degree in Geography, GIS, or related field; GIS certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentDesigning and creating maps, often in offices or labsSupporting GIS data management, map production, and analysis in office settings
Industry UsageUsed in urban planning, environmental management, and mapping agenciesEmployed in government agencies, engineering firms, and environmental organizations

Both Cartographers and GIS Technicians work with geographic data, but Cartographers focus on designing and producing maps, while GIS Technicians support GIS data management and analysis. They often collaborate but have distinct roles within geospatial projects.

What does a cartographer do?

Cartographers gather and analyze geographical data to produce maps. Utilizing remote sensing systems, cartographers work in the office and out in the field to examine aerial and satellite images to verify the accuracy of current mapping and create new maps for educational, business, or other purposes. Cartographers may also measure and analyze population density and weather patterns of various regions. Government agencies, engineering firms, and architectural companies typically utilize cartographers in a variety of projects.

What are the most common challenges faced by cartographers when working on large-scale mapping projects?

One of the main challenges cartographers encounter during large-scale mapping projects is ensuring data accuracy and consistency, especially when integrating information from multiple sources. They often work closely with surveyors, GIS specialists, and government agencies to collect and verify geospatial data. Additionally, cartographers must balance the technical demands of using advanced mapping software with the creative aspects of designing clear, user-friendly maps. Meeting tight deadlines and adapting to rapidly evolving technology are also common hurdles in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cartographer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cartographer, you need a solid background in geography, spatial analysis, and cartographic design, often supported by a relevant degree such as geography, GIS, or cartography. Proficiency with GIS software (like ArcGIS or QGIS), remote sensing tools, and digital mapping platforms is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help cartographers interpret data accurately and convey complex information clearly. These skills are crucial for creating accurate, user-friendly maps that support decision-making in fields such as urban planning, navigation, and environmental management.
What cities are hiring for Cartographer jobs? Cities with the most Cartographer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cartographer jobs? The most popular types of Cartographer jobs are:
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Infographic showing various Cartographer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,279 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

$56K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

About the Position: The Army Fellows Program provides an exciting opportunity to embark on a developmental, accelerated career path as an Army Civilian including continued training and educational opportunities, with no military obligation. Fellows may also receive paid training, certifications, and rotational assignments. Don't wait! Apply now to start your Civilian Army career today!

1st Year Salary $56,715-$73,731

2nd Year Salary $69,373-$90,190

3rd Year Salary $83,935-$109,122

Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Cartographer:
A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in cartography, or a degree with a major that included or was supplemented by at least 30 semester hours in cartography and/or directly related science, and related mathematics. Such course work includes, but is not limited to, cartography, astronomy, geodesy, photogrammetry, physical and geological oceanography, computer science, land surveying, geophysics, physical geography, and remote sensing. The 30 semester hours must have included at least 6, but no more than 15, semester hours of college level, non-business mathematics or statistics (i.e., college level algebra, trigonometry, calculus, or scientific mathematics or statistics requiring equivalent college-level courses as prerequisites).
OR
B. Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major in cartography, or a major that included or was supplemented by at least 30 semester hours in cartography, and/or directly related science, and related mathematics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes assisting in preparing and compiling cartographic products using GIS, surveying, geodesy, photogrammetry, remote sensing and/or CAD mapping techniques; or provide assistance in developing geospatial digital databases and/or cadastral data products; or assist in reading, interpreting, reviewing, and/or preparing legal land descriptions. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).
OR
Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: cartography, or a degree with a major that included or was supplemented by at least 30 semester hours in cartography and/or directly related science, and related mathematics. Such course work includes, but is not limited to, cartography, astronomy, geodesy, photogrammetry, physical and geological oceanography, computer science, land surveying, geophysics, physical geography, and remote sensing. The 30 semester hours must have included at least 6, but no more than 15, semester hours of college level, non-business mathematics or statistics (i.e., college level algebra, trigonometry, calculus, or scientific mathematics or statistics requiring equivalent college-level courses as prerequisites).
OR
Superior Academic Achievement: Successful completion of all the requirements for a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.). In order to be creditable under this provision, Superior Academic Achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled, such as that identified in Education above. Superior Academic Achievement is based on:(1) Class Standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; OR(2) Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of either (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.; OR(3) Honor Society Membership - Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achsnatl.org/)

NOTE: Grade point averages will be rounded to one decimal point. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0, and 2.94 will round to 2.9.
NOTE: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) was taken on a pass/fail or similar basis, your S.A.A. claim must be based on class standing or membership in an honor society and you must provide evidence of your class standing or honor society membership with your application.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages.


Education:FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/Employment Type: OTHER

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