Cartographers
& photogrammetrists
$65,470
Median Annual Wage
12,000
Number of Jobs
4%
Job Outlook
What do cartographers and photogrammetrists do?
Have you ever wondered how modern maps are made? cartographers and photogrammetrists are the guys and gals who create them nowadays! These working professionals design maps for many reasons using different methods to gain information such as aerial cameras, satellites, or even cameras attached to drones! They create maps for different purposes such as gathering data, education planning, or emergency services. Cartographers typically design accessible maps for general use, and photogrammetrists design more specialized maps of the earth’s surface features.
cartographers
Collect
Collect geographic data
Create
Create visual representations of data, such as annual precipitation patterns
Examine
Examine and compile data from multiple sources
Prepare
Prepare maps for environmental and educational purposes
Update
Update and revise existing maps and charts
photogrammetrists
Plan
Plan aerial and satellite surveys to ensure complete coverage of the area in question
Collect
Collect and analyze spatial data, such as elevation and distance
Develop
Develop base maps that allow Geographic Information System (GIS) data to be layered on top
Work Environment
Cartographers and photogrammetrists held about 12,000 jobs in 2019. The largest employers of cartographers and photogrammetrists are shown on the right.
Cartographers and photogrammetrists spend most of their time in offices, although some jobs may require them to be involved in extensive fieldwork. For example, cartographers may travel to a physical location to better understand the landscape they are mapping. Also, a photogrammetrist may travel as well to plan aerial surveys.
- Local government, excluding education and hospitals – 34%
- Architectural, engineering, and related services – 24%
- State government, excluding education and hospitals – 6%
- Federal government – 5%
- Management, scientific, and consulting services – 4%
Work Schedule
Most cartographers and photogrammetrists work full-time in an office environment. Although, this may of course depend on who they work for. Depending on the job or project, cartographers and photogrammetrists may work longer hours if they are more involved in fieldwork requiring them to travel to physical locations to help them create their maps.
PAY
$41,670
$65,470
$103,380
Low
The maximum annual wage for the lowest ten percent of cartographers and photogrammetrists in 2019.
Median
The median annual pay wage for cartographers and photogrammetrists in 2019.
High
The minimum annual wage for the top ten percent of cartographers and photogrammetrists in 2019.
Median annual wages in top industries
- Federal government – $90,800
- Management, scientific, and technical consulting services – $64,910
- Local government, excluding education and hospitals – $64,780
- Architectural, engineering, and related services – $62,280
- State government, excluding education and hospitals – $58,680
Job Outlook
Employment of cartographers and photogrammetrists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029. Although that might not sound like much, that’s just about as fast as the average for all occupations! The truth is that as long as there’s a need for maps, there’s a need for cartographers and photogrammetrists because they are needed to map and locate areas that help with many fields of interest. Although, with the rise of Geographic Informations Systems (GIS) technology, mapmakers become more productive which may reduce employment growth in this occupation.
How do I become a cartographer or photogrammetrist?
Bachelor's Degree
Most cartographers or photogrammetrists need a bachelor’s degree in cartography, geography, geomatics, or surveying. Many colleges and universities offer degrees such as these.
For High School Students
If you’re interested in becoming an cartographer or a photogrammetrist, you don’t have to wait until college to prepare! High school students can prepare for this career by taking classes in math, science, engineering, geography, and computer skills (if available). Any classes that help students develop skills with computer technology or surveying will be valuable as well! With the growing use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, it is important to have basic computer skills at least!
IMPORTANT Qualities
Communication Skills
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians receive instructions from aerospace engineers. Therefore, they must be able to understand and follow those instructions, as well as communicate any problems to their supervisors.
Critical-thinking Skills
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians must be able to help aerospace engineers troubleshoot particular design issues. They must be able to help evaluate system capabilities, identify problems, formulate the right question, and then find the right answer.
Detail Oriented
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians make and keep precise measurements needed by aerospace engineers. In addition, they keep accurate records of these measurements.
Interpersonal Skills
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians receive instructions from aerospace engineers. Therefore, they must be able to understand and follow those instructions, as well as communicate any problems to their supervisors.
Math Skills
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians must be able to help aerospace engineers troubleshoot particular design issues. They must be able to help evaluate system capabilities, identify problems, formulate the right question, and then find the right answer.
Mechanical Skills
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians must be able to assist aerospace engineers by building what the engineers design. Mechanical skills are needed to help with the processes and directions required to move from design to production.
Is there anything else I need to know in order to become an aerospace engineering and operations technician?
We’ve covered almost everything about aerospace engineering and operations technicians including their salary, work schedule, job outlook, work environment, and education! Here are some common questions that one might ask about what it takes to become an aerospace engineering and operations technician!
How long does it take to become an aerospace engineering and operations technician?
Many employers prefer to hire aerospace engineering and operations technicians who have earned an associate’s degree in engineering technology. This college degree typically takes about 2 years for full-time students to earn. After you have completed your education, you can go directly into the workforce as an aerospace engineering and operations technician! Although, it may take time to gain the necessary experience that is usually required for higher-paying jobs.
What are the best colleges to go to if I want to become an aerospage engineering and operations technician?
There are many colleges that offer great programs for students that are interested in becoming aerospace engineering and operations technicians including the following;
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Massachusettes Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- California Institute of Technology
- Purdue University – West Lafayette
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- University of Texas – Austin (Cockrell)
- University of Colorado – Boulder
Do I have to have an associate's degree in order to become an aerospace engineering and operations technician?
Although having an associate’s degree is recommended, it isn’t required! Many employers prefer to hire aerospace engineering and operations technicians who have completed vocational-technical education in computer programming or robotics, and machining. Students may also earn certificates or diplomas offered by vocational or technical schools! So if college isn’t on your path for the future, your next best option is to get an education from a vocational or technical school.
How many women are aerospace engineering and operations technicians compared to men?
Although the exact ratio of men to women for this occupation is uncertain, a similar occupation (engineering technicians) was found to have 19.8% women and 80.2% men. Although this occupation is definitely dominated by men, the number of women aerospace engineering and operations technicians is generally high in this industry.
How do I know if becoming an aerospace engineering and operations technician is right for me?
As exciting as this job may seem, it is a lot of work – just like any other career in the workforce! If you are unsure if becoming an aerospace engineer and operations technician is right for you, learn about it as much as you can! This career typically favors those who are interested in mathamatics, science, and mechanics. Although, you are in control of your future so it is up to you what you’d like to become!
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