Hiring Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

What do cartographers and photogrammetrists do?

• Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
• Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
• Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
• Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
• Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.

Core tasks, O*NET OnLine, 17-1021.00.

What does it take to become one?

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

O*NET Job Zone 4, SVP (7.0 to < 8.0). O*NET OnLine.

Employers commonly list experience with ESRI ArcGIS software, Geographic information system GIS systems, Python, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator for this role.

What do cartographers and photogrammetrists get paid?

BLS OEWS, May 2025 publishes a wage for cartographers and photogrammetrists in 51 of the metro areas in this build. The median ranges from $65,190 to $130,820 a year depending on the metro, with a midpoint of $80,850. This is what employers pay, place of work, not a single national figure and not what any one person takes home.

BLS OEWS, BLS OEWS, May 2025, SOC 17-1021.

What does hiring one cost?

The same as any role: tier, not location or salary, sets the fee. Across all six tiers the published range is $6,240 to $54,340 per search. For scale, the highest published median for cartographers and photogrammetrists in this build is $130,820. A contingency firm hiring at that level would bill roughly $26,164 to $39,246 on the first year salary alone, 20 to 30%.

Frequently asked

How fast can a cartographers and photogrammetrists search fill?

23 to 35 days, 2 to 3x faster than a typical contingency search, per the recruiting provider's published figures.

What if the hire does not work out?

A 45-day replacement guarantee, at 50% off a repeat search for the same role.