Cartographers and Photogrammetrists: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists fall under the Architecture and Engineering category in the U.S. occupational classification. Cartographers and Photogrammetrists earn a median salary of $78,380 per year, ranking in the top 25% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +6.4% job growth through 2034, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do cartographers and photogrammetrists earn?

The median annual wage for cartographers and photogrammetrists is $78,380. That puts cartographers and photogrammetrists at #205 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is cartographers and photogrammetrists a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for cartographers and photogrammetrists is +6.4%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 13K positions in 2024 to 14K in 2034, a net change of 1K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What do cartographers and photogrammetrists do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working cartographers and photogrammetrists, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
2. 2.Determine map content and layout, as well as production specifications such as scale, size, projection, and colors, and direct production to ensure that specifications are followed.
3. 3.Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
4. 4.Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
5. 5.Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
6. 6.Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
7. 7.Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
8. 8.Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.

Top skills for cartographers and photogrammetrists

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become cartographers and photogrammetrist?

The standard path into cartographers and photogrammetrists begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

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Common questions parents ask about cartographers and photogrammetrists