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How much do toponymist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for toponymist in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Toponymist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Toponymist, you need a solid background in geography, linguistics, and research, often supported by a relevant degree such as geography, cartography, or linguistics. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), map databases, and specialized toponymic data management software is typically required. Meticulous attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities are essential for accurately researching and documenting place names, ensuring authoritative and culturally sensitive results for mapping and official records.

What does a Toponymist do?

A Toponymist studies place names (toponyms), their origins, meanings, and usage. They analyze historical and linguistic aspects of geographic names, ensuring accurate representation on maps and official records. Toponymists often work for government agencies, cartographic organizations, or academic institutions, contributing to geographic databases and standardization efforts. Their work helps maintain consistency in naming conventions and preserves cultural and historical significance in geography.

What kinds of organizations or teams do Toponymists typically work with, and how do they contribute to collaborative projects?

Toponymists often work for government agencies, mapping companies, research institutions, and international organizations, collaborating with geographers, cartographers, historians, and database specialists. On collaborative projects, they contribute their expertise in the origin, meaning, and standardized usage of place names, ensuring accuracy and consistency across maps, atlases, and official documents. They may be involved in interdisciplinary teams that address cultural, historical, and legal aspects of naming, such as resolving disputes or standardizing names for public reference. This role is valued for its unique blend of linguistic, cultural, and technical insights, which enhances the accuracy and usability of geographic information.

More about Toponymist jobs
What states have the most Toponymist jobs? States with the most job openings for Toponymist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Toponymist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Toponymist jobs are:
Toponymist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Toponymist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Toponymist & Geospatial Linguist (Mid-Level) - All Languages - TS/SCI

Wiser

Springfield, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Toponymist & Geospatial Linguist - All Languages - Mid-Level
Location: Springfield, VA
Professional Experience: Level 3, Middle (5-10 years)
Required Clearance: Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance
Wiser offers innovative solutions to clients in the public, private, and government sectors. We combine technology and expertise to develop inventive solutions that deliver quality results and aid in critical decision making. With the flexibility and efficiency of a small business, we provide nimble responsiveness with the low risk and strong performance experience of an established GEOINT and Geospatial service provider.
Role Description
We are presently identifying candidates for the following position: Toponymist & Geospatial Linguist - All Languages - Mid-Level. The Toponymist (Geospatial Linguist) shall analyze and conflate information associated with feature data listed in the Geographic Names Database (GNDB) while working closely with Intelligence Community (IC) geographic names experts. Selected candidate will use agency guidance and policies to respond to questions concerning the proper and correct usage of names, various Romanization systems, and the treatment of descriptive information on standard products. These services will use the Geographic Names Processing Systems (GNPS), charts, imagery and geospatial tools to refine names information for use in all types of products and to respond to use question via the Ad Hoc Query process. In addition, the candidate will prepare files and maps for work, accurately entering data to maintain and update the GNDB, including batching the completed work into the GNDB. The accuracy and reliability of the selected candidate's work is essential to the missions of these users.
Minimum Qualifications
  • U.S. Citizen
  • Active Top-Secret/SCI security clearance at time of application and willingness to complete a CI poly upon request.
  • Language Capabilities: Seeking ILR level 2 reading proficiency (or higher) for Korean, Romanian, Polish, Norwegian, Swedish, German, Arabic, Farsi, and Chinese languages. Formal test required.
  • Advanced experience with GIS software to include ArcGIS Pro and QGIS.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Understanding of and application of the Geographic Names Database collection methodologies.
  • Preferred candidates should have completed relevant Formal/Advanced Military Training (Tech School, Advanced Individual Training, A School, or other MOS/AFSC/Rate granting equivalent) or have a current GEOINT Professional Certification-Foundations (GPC-F).
  • Proficiency in advanced Python Scripting.
  • Regional Geographic proficiency in the geographies of the analyst's AOR at the SME level.
  • Demonstrated experience with native maps, secondary source maps, historic maps used for extraction and comparison, mapping imagery for stereo and mono extraction at various resolutions.

Work Environment
Work is within a team environment and will be conducted on site in Springfield, VA.
*Candidates are encouraged to submit a resume that explicitly addresses each of the requirements listed above.
Wiser Imagery Services employs personnel within the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans
To comply with Federal law, Wiser Imagery Services participates in E-Verify. Successful candidates must pass the E-Verify process upon hire.
Wiser Imagery Services is a drug-free workplace.
We respectfully request not to be contacted by recruiters and/or staffing agencies.

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