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Cartographer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Mid Cartographic Analyst

Springfield, VA · On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

Primary Responsibilities The Cartographic Analyst will work within a government/contractor team environment providing Electronic Nautical Chart Conversion, Production and Review as well as provide ...

Bridge Defense

Cartographic Analyst

Springfield, VA · On-site

$85 - $100/hr

The GIS / Cartographic Analyst - Journeyman will work within a government/contractor team environment providing Digital Nautical Chart and Electronic Nautical Chart Conversion, Production and Review ...

Geo Owl

Cartographic Analyst

Springfield, VA · On-site

Geo Owl is currently looking for a Maritime Cartographer to support our customer in Springfield, Virginia. To be qualified, you need at least 5 years of relevant experience and meet the requirements ...

Geo Owl

Cartographic Analyst

Springfield, VA · On-site

Geo Owl is currently looking for a Maritime Cartographer to support our customer in Springfield, Virginia. To be qualified, you need at least 5 years of relevant experience and meet the requirements ...

Geo Owl

Cartographic Analyst Apprentice

Springfield, VA · On-site

Geo Owl is currently looking for a Maritime Cartographer to support our customer in Springfield, Virginia. To be qualified, you need at least 5 years of relevant experience and meet the requirements ...

Geo Owl

Cartographic Analyst Apprentice

Springfield, VA · On-site

Geo Owl is currently looking for a Maritime Cartographer to support our customer in Springfield, Virginia. To be qualified, you need at least 5 years of relevant experience and meet the requirements ...

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All JobsCartographer JobsCartographer Jobs in Reston, VA

Cartographer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$38K

$79.4K

$118.1K

How much do cartographer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for cartographer in Reston, VA is $79,357.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,100.00 and $98,300.00 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 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 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 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 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.

Do cartographers make a lot of money?

Cartographers typically earn a median annual salary that is around the national average for technical and scientific roles, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills in GIS software and certifications can lead to higher earnings, especially in government agencies or private companies. Overall, while the role offers stable employment, it is not generally considered highly lucrative compared to other specialized technical careers.

Is there a demand for cartographers?

The demand for cartographers is expected to grow steadily due to increased reliance on geographic information systems (GIS) and digital mapping technologies across industries such as urban planning, environmental management, and transportation. Strong skills in GIS software, spatial analysis, and data visualization can enhance employment prospects in this field.

What are the requirements to be a cartographer?

To become a cartographer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in geography, cartography, GIS, or a related field. Skills in GIS software, spatial analysis, and map design are essential, and some positions may require experience with programming languages like Python or JavaScript. Certification in GIS or related areas can enhance job prospects.

What job does a cartographer do?

A cartographer creates maps and visual representations of geographic data using specialized software and tools. They analyze spatial information, ensure accuracy, and often work with geographic information systems (GIS) to produce detailed, functional maps for various applications such as navigation, urban planning, and environmental management.
More about Cartographer jobs

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Cartographer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cartographer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,357 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Cartographic Analyst (Night Shift)

Nelson Intelligence Solutions

Springfield, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Category: Cartographer
Location: Springfield, Virginia
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: None
Shift: Night Job (2nd Shift)
Potential for Teleworking: No
Clearance Level Must Currently Possess: Top Secret/SCI
Clearance Level Must Be Willing to Take a: Counter Intelligence Polygraph
Description Nelson Intelligence Solutions prides itself of having the most diverse and accomplished staff you will find in your career. NiS offers competitive benefits and an amazing workplace culture where you will feel valued while you perform mission critical work for the federal government. NiS is seeking a Cartographic Analyst to join our growing team. As a Cartographic Analyst, you will be responsible for working with a multi-disciplined team of analysts to independently select and extrapolate intelligence and operations production data and present summaries as required. The candidate must possess the ability to follow established geospatial data production processes for content analysis, validation, cleansing, collection and reporting. Selected applicant will be subject to a Counter Intelligence (CI) polygraph.
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Geography, GIS or equivalent military training and experience (High School diploma with 4 years of experience in lieu of degree is acceptable)
  • Experience with cartographic finishing, feature extraction, and data content management
  • Experience with feature extraction software suites such as ESRI ArcGIS, SOCET GXP, RemoteView, or comparable Electronic Light Table (ELT) software

Preferred Additional Skills
  • Attended a basic Intelligence Course
  • Experience managing or maintaining relational database management systems, such as Oracle Spatial or ArcSDE
  • Experience with application engineering, system administration, or software configuration of industry standard geospatial analysis and production software

Physical Requirements
  • Regularly required to sit for extended periods up to 80% of the time; frequently required to move about to access file cabinets and use office equipment such as PC, copier, fax, telephone, cell phone, etc.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include use of computer monitor screens up to 80% of time

NiS Overview NiS is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business with an emphasis on Federal government opportunities in support of the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community and State and local government. NiS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, protected veteran status, race, color, religious creed, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sex, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, or genetic information.

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