Cartographer
Impact: Geospatial understanding, Decision-making support
Collects, analyzes, and interprets geographic information to design, create, and update maps and related products using various mapping technologies and software.
In their words
As a cartographer, I find immense satisfaction in transforming complex geographic data into clear, insightful maps. It's a blend of scientific analysis and artistic design, where every detail matters. The challenge lies in keeping up with evolving technologies and ensuring the accuracy and usability of our spatial representations.
What the day looks like
- People interaction
- Moderate
- Team vs solo
- 60% Solo / 40% Team
- Client facing
- Sometimes
- Impact visibility
- High
- Travel
- 5-15% domestic for field data collection or client meetings.
- Schedule flexibility
- Flexible
- Remote work
- Hybrid
- Typical work hours
- 40 hours/week
- Stress level
- Moderate
At a glance
- Median salary
- $78,380
- Entry-level
- $50,000 - $60,000
- Senior
- $95,000 - $120,000
- Growth by 2033
- 5% (as fast as average)
- Demand
- Growing
- Freelance potential
- Moderate
- Salary growth potential
- High, significant growth from entry to senior levels, reflecting increasing expertise and responsibility.
- Typical student debt
- $20,000 - $40,000
Skills you'll use
Hard skills
- GIS Software (e.g.
- ArcGIS
- QGIS)
- Remote Sensing
- Geospatial Data Analysis
- Database Management
- Cartographic Design
- Python Programming
- GPS Technology
Soft skills
- Attention to Detail
- Analytical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Spatial Reasoning
- Communication
- Creativity
Technical complexity: High
Tools you'll work with
Core tools
- ArcGIS Pro (software): Geospatial data analysis and mapping
Common tools
- QGIS (software): Open-source geospatial data processing
- Global Positioning System (GPS) devices (hardware): Field data collection
- Adobe Illustrator (software): Cartographic design and visualization
- Python (software): Scripting and automation of geospatial tasks
- SQL Databases (software): Geospatial data storage and retrieval
How to get there
- Minimum education
- Bachelor's Degree
- Licensing
- No
- Years to mid-career
- 5
- Years to senior
- 10
- Career switching
- Moderate
Where this career leads
How people arrive here
- GIS Technician: Entry-level role focused on data input and basic map production.
- Surveyor: Collects spatial data in the field, which cartographers then use.
Where you can go from here
- GIS Analyst: Focuses more on advanced spatial analysis and problem-solving.
- Urban Planner: Utilizes mapping and spatial data for city and regional development.
- Remote Sensing Specialist: Specializes in interpreting satellite and aerial imagery for mapping.
Typical progression
- Junior Cartographer
- Cartographer
- Senior Cartographer
- GIS Specialist/Manager
Future outlook
- Automation probability
- 35% (moderate risk).
- AI disruption risk
- Moderate
- Demand trend
- Growing
How people feel about it
- Overall satisfaction
- 7/10
- Meaning
- 7.5/10
- Work-life balance
- 7/10
- Prestige
- 7.5/10
- Social perception
- Moderate
Find your community
Professional organisations
- American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM): A professional organization for surveying and mapping professionals.
Podcasts and media
- National Geographic Society: Renowned for its cartographic work and geographic exploration.
Reddit communities
- r/cartography: An online community for cartographers and map enthusiasts.
Online communities
- GIS Stack Exchange: A Q&A site for professionals and enthusiasts of geographic information systems.