Understanding Pay for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Pay for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists play a vital role in mapping and geographic data analysis, crucial for industries ranging from urban planning to environmental conservation. This article provides an in-depth exploration of their compensation, highlighting key insights and wage trends in this field.

Median Annual Wage for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

In May 2023, the median annual wage for cartographers and photogrammetrists was $76,210. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings in the profession, with half of the workers earning more and the other half earning less. By comparison:

• Architects, surveyors, and cartographers: $80,850
• Cartographers and photogrammetrists: $76,210
• Total, all occupations: $48,060

This highlights that cartographers and photogrammetrists earn significantly more than the average across all occupations, reflecting the specialized skills and expertise required for their work.

Wage Distribution in the Field

• The lowest 10% of earners in this field made less than $48,660.
• The highest 10% earned more than $113,540.

This wide range underscores the influence of factors such as experience, education, industry, and geographic location on earnings.

Pay by Industry for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Earnings for cartographers and photogrammetrists vary significantly across industries. Here is a breakdown of the median annual wages by industry as of May 2023:

Key Insights:

1. Federal Government: Cartographers and photogrammetrists working for the federal government enjoy the highest median wage at $102,150, reflecting the high demand for their expertise in national mapping projects, defense, and infrastructure planning.
2. Local Government: Those employed by local governments earn a median wage of $76,610, aligning closely with the overall median for the profession. Local governments often require cartographers for urban development and zoning initiatives.
3. State Government: With a median wage of $69,260, state governments also rely on cartographers and photogrammetrists for large-scale projects, such as disaster response and statewide infrastructure development.
4. Architectural and Engineering Services: Cartographers in this sector earn $64,900, reflecting their involvement in construction planning and design projects.
5. Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting: Professionals in this industry earn $64,000, providing their expertise in geographic analysis and mapping for various consulting projects.

Wage Comparison to Related Occupations

To understand the value of this profession better, it is helpful to compare its compensation to related fields:

• Cartographers and photogrammetrists: $76,210
• Architects, surveyors, and cartographers: $80,850
• All occupations: $48,060

This data underscores the competitive nature of cartography and photogrammetry, particularly when compared to the broader job market. While their median earnings are slightly below the combined category of architects, surveyors, and cartographers, they remain well above the national median for all occupations.

Factors Affecting Pay

Several factors influence earnings in this profession:

• Education and Experience: Advanced degrees or certifications in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and extensive field experience can boost earnings.
• Geographic Location: Professionals in urban or high-demand areas tend to earn more due to increased project opportunities and higher living costs.
• Industry Demand: Federal government roles often pay higher wages due to the complexity and scale of the projects.

By focusing on these key insights, readers can reflect on how cartography and photogrammetry provide not only a fulfilling career path but also competitive wages, particularly in high-demand industries like federal government projects.