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Cartographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entarian is seeking a candidate for our LIDAR Technical / Cartographer position to support ongoing topographic/bathymetric LIDAR projects. The best candidate will understand NGS' strategic goals and ...

Mid Cartographic Analyst

Springfield, VA · On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

The National Security Sector at Leidos currently has an opening for a cleared cartographic analyst to support our customer in Springfield Virginia. This is an exciting opportunity to use your ...

Mid Cartographic Analyst

Springfield, VA · On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

The National Security Sector at Leidos currently has an opening for a cleared cartographic analyst to support our customer in Springfield Virginia. This is an exciting opportunity to use your ...

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 ...

$80K - $95K/yr

IUE is currently seeking a Cartographer Analyst to join the IUE team. The Human Geography Division (SFGE) provides a broad array of Human Geography products to customers throughout the IC, NSG, and ...

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Cartographer information

See salary details

$36.5K

$76.3K

$113.5K

How much do cartographer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 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 are cartographers?

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 Do Cartographers 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:
Who are the top companies hiring for Cartographer jobs? The top employers for Cartographer jobs are:
What states have the most Cartographer jobs? States with the most job openings for Cartographer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Cartographer jobs? For Cartographer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Cartographer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,279 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

LIDAR Technician / Cartographer

Entarian

Remote

$75K - $85K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview/ Job Responsibilities

NOAA's National Geodetic Survey (NGS) provides the framework for all positioning activities in the Nation. The foundational elements of latitude, longitude, elevation, and shoreline information impact a wide range of important activities. NGS Coastal Mapping Program (CMP) supplies the shoreline for NOAA's nautical charts and other users using photogrammetry, which creates digital maps of the shoreline. NGS is responsible for mapping the 95,000 miles of the U.S. shoreline. Currently the CMP has a data base of over half a million aerial photographs and thousands of shoreline maps.

Position Description:

Entarian is seeking a candidate for our LIDAR Technical / Cartographer position to support ongoing topographic/bathymetric LIDAR projects. The best candidate will understand NGS' strategic goals and its mandate for shoreline mapping under the CMP. Job duties include: 

  • Analyze and edit topobathy point cloud LIDAR data to ensure proper classification of shoreline features and accurate representation of bathymetric depth.

  • Compile, edit, and attribute shoreline shapefile products to delineate mean high water and mean low water for the U.S. and its territories.

  • Quality assurance and quality control of contractor produced topobathy LIDAR data, normalized intensity data, topobathy DEMs, and total propagated uncertainty (TPU) data through detailed visual inspection and metadata verification.

  • Resolve complex discrepancies in source material by researching and cross-referencing historical charts, legacy imagery, and Electronic Navigational Chart shapefiles.

  • Ensure all cartographic products maintain strict compliance with NGS LIDAR, topology, and data stewardship standards.

  • Provide expert-level technical guidance and training to new personnel to ensure consistency in shoreline delineation and attribution.

  • Collaborate on the development of innovative tools and methodologies to streamline production workflows and integrate emerging geospatial technologies.

The salary for this position is approximately $75,000 - $85,000/year.

This is a fully remote position supporting work in Silver Spring, MD. Preference for a hybrid role if candidate is local.

This position is estimated to last for one year with the possiblity for extension. 

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelors of Science degree in GIS, Geography, or related discipline.
  • 4+ years of relevant experience.

  • 4+ years using MicroStation and Terrasolid Suite to edit and clean LIDAR data.

  • 4+ years making and using DEMs for quality control.

  • 4+ years using ArcMap Suite / ArcGIS Pro, Google Earth, LP360, GeoCue, QT Modeler, and Global Mapper.

  • Ability to work quickly while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

  • Ability to work effectively as a team and independently.

  • Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work with sensitive or classified data.

  • Must be a US Citizen or a Permanent Resident and be able to pass a Public Trust background investigation to obtain a security badge.

About Us

Entarian considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including the location, scope, and associated responsibilities of the specific position, as well as a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Benefits - All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our flexible benefits package, which includes:

  • Medical, Rx, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
  • 11 Paid Federal Government Holidays
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Basic Life & Supplemental Life
  • Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
  • Skills Development & Certifications
  • Professional Membership Reimbursement
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Competitive compensation plan
  • Discretionary variable incentive bonuses based on factors such as individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company's performance

Formed through the strategic union of Sev1Tech and ERT, Entarian is a premier provider of mission-critical engineering and technology solutions. Founded on a legacy of excellence dating back to 1993, Entarian is a product of an evolved and fully diversified engineering and federal technology leader. From deep space to defense and civilian missions, Entarian delivers secure, mission-aligned digital solutions that drive national resilience and operational effectiveness. We don't just support modernization; we define it.

Join the Mission and Start your Career Journey: Apply Directly via our Careers Portal  Connect, Referrals & Inquiries? Email the team: careers@entarian.com

Entarian is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Employment Type: OTHER