Skip to Main Content

Cartographers

Employment Prospects

Employers

Mapmaking companies are the primary employers of cartographers. Government agencies, at the federal and the state level, also employ cartographers, as does the military, which has a need for highly specialized maps. In 2022, about 33 percent worked in local government, 20 percent in architectural, engineering, and related firms, and 7 percent worked in management, scientific, and technical consulting businesses.

Starting Out

Most cartographers are hired upon completion of a bachelor's degree in engineering or geography. Job openings come about as the population grows and as employees leave the profession, especially when they retire. A person who is interested in becoming a cartographic technician instead of a full-fledged cartographer may be able to secure an entry-level position after completing a specialized training program. Prospective employers may require a portfolio of completed maps during the interviewing process.