To become a cartographer you typically need a bachelor's degree in cartography, geography, geomatics, surveying or a related field, plus strong GIS skills. In the UK you can also train through geospatial apprenticeships from Level 3 to Level 7, start as a trainee GIS technician, or learn the work in the Army or the Royal Air Force.
Cartographers turn survey data, aerial photos and satellite images into maps people can use. Modern mapping is mostly digital: you'll spend more time with geographic information systems than with pens. Some jobs still take you out into the field to check that what's on the map matches what's on the ground.
I've built this guide from two official sources read as of October 2026: the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook profile for cartographers and photogrammetrists, and the National Careers Service profile for cartographers.
Cartographer jobs and pay at a glance
| Measure | US figure (BLS) |
|---|---|
| Jobs in 2025 | 14,700 |
| Median annual wage (May 2025) | $81,390 |
| Projected growth, 2025 to 2035 | 7%, much faster than average |
| Openings each year | About 900 |
| Largest employer | Local government, with 41% of jobs |
Those figures are as of October 2026 and cover cartographers and photogrammetrists together. BLS projects jobs rising from 14,700 to 15,700 over the decade, so it's a small field that's growing.
Getting into mapping in the US
- Pick a mapping degree. BLS names cartography, geography, geomatics and surveying. Geomatics combines engineering, natural resources and mathematics.
- Build GIS skills. Most of the work happens in geographic information systems, so take every GIS course you can.
- Check licensing. BLS says some cartographers and photogrammetrists may need a licence, depending on the state, the employer and the duties. Certification is usually optional but can make you more competitive.
- Start where the jobs are. Local government and engineering firms are the two biggest employers.
The UK routes
The National Careers Service lists four ways in: university, an apprenticeship, working your way up, or the armed forces.
- University. Degrees that include data gathering and analysis work well: geography, GIS, land surveying, earth sciences, oceanography or meteorology. Employers may also accept computer science, software engineering or graphic design. You'll usually need 2 to 3 A levels for a degree.
- Postgraduate study. A postgraduate qualification can help you move into a specialist field such as GIS.
- Apprenticeships. Options include the Geospatial Survey Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, the Geospatial Mapping and Science Specialist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship and the Spatial Data Specialist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.
- Working up. You could start as a trainee cartographic or GIS technician and progress through training and promotion.
- The armed forces. You can apply to be a geographic technician with the Army, or join the Royal Air Force and train as an aviation data analyst, also called an air cartographer.
For the Level 3 apprenticeship you'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 including English and maths. Degree apprenticeships usually ask for 4 or 5 GCSEs and A levels. The British Cartographic Society is worth joining for networking and career support, and Ordnance Survey is one of the best-known mapping employers.
Where cartographers earn most
Federal jobs pay well ahead of the rest. These are BLS May 2025 medians, as of October 2026:
| Employer | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Federal government | $109,300 |
| Local government | $82,200 |
| Architectural, engineering and related services | $81,080 |
| Management, scientific and technical consulting | $79,030 |
| State government | $77,610 |
What you'll do
The National Careers Service gives a modern picture of the job. As a cartographer, you could:
- analyse data from sensors on drones, planes and satellites
- survey areas using laser scanning and 360-degree cameras
- design 2D and 3D maps in different formats
- check maps and charts are accurate and to scale
- edit maps to capture changes to roads, buildings and landmarks
- use GIS to analyse and model terrain
- plot the heights and positions of features from photographs
You'll mostly work in an office, but BLS notes that some jobs need fieldwork to collect data and check survey measurements, and those days can be longer.
Skills that make a good cartographer
The degree matters less than what you can show. Employers want to see that you can take raw data and turn it into a clear, accurate map, so build a small portfolio while you study. Useful skills include:
- confidence with computers and the main GIS and design software packages
- an eye for detail, because a map that's slightly out of scale is a map nobody trusts
- comfort with data from drones, aerial photos and satellites
- clear visual design, so people can read the map at a glance
If you can show a few finished maps built from public data, you'll stand out from applicants who only list their modules. It's also the quickest way to find out which side of mapping you enjoy most.
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Drones, surveying and the skills that overlap
Mapping now leans heavily on drone and satellite data. If flying the drone appeals as much as processing the images, read my guide on how to become a drone pilot. If you'd rather measure land on the ground, how to become a surveyor covers that closely related route.
My verdict
Cartography is a quiet, well-paid niche that's growing faster than average. Get a geography, geomatics or GIS degree, build a portfolio of maps, and look hard at local government and federal agencies. In the UK, the geospatial apprenticeships let you qualify on the job, and the armed forces route is a good option if that life suits you.
Map skills start young, and learning apps are compared in a roundup of geography apps.
Frequently asked questions
What degree do you need to be a cartographer?
BLS says cartographers typically need a bachelor's degree in cartography, geography, geomatics, surveying or a related field.
How much do cartographers make?
BLS lists a median annual wage of $81,390 for cartographers and photogrammetrists in May 2025, as of October 2026. In federal government the median was $109,300.
Can you become a cartographer without a degree?
In the UK, yes. The National Careers Service lists geospatial apprenticeships and a route starting as a trainee cartographic or GIS technician.
Do cartographers need a licence?
Sometimes. BLS says licensing requirements vary by state and employer and depend on the duties, while certification is usually optional.
Is cartography a growing career?
Yes. BLS projects employment of cartographers and photogrammetrists to grow 7% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average.
