Cartographers

The employment for cartographers and photogrammetrists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2032. There are a number of factors that are contributing to this highly favorable outlook for cartographers and photogrammetrists. First, there is a growing need for updated maps for national security, management of natural resources, coordinating effective responses by government first responders and other emergency personnel to natural disasters, education, and local government planning. Second, the growing number of mobile and Web-based map products for individual consumers, companies, and government agencies also should result in new jobs for cartographers and photogrammetrists.

Cartographers and photogrammetrists will be needed to operate geographic information systems (GIS), which are increasingly being used by federal, state, and local government agencies to map and locate areas that are in need during natural disasters. Photogrammetrists, in particular, will be needed to manage the aerial, satellite, and light-imaging detection and ranging (LIDAR) images that are now commonly to interpret, refine, and create mapping products and services using these data.

Finally, while the employment of cartographers and photogrammetrists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2031, it is important to remember that these are occupations with relatively small levels of total employment. For example, as of May 2023, there were approximately 12,330 cartographers and photogrammetrists employed in the United States. Even if the projected Department of Labor growth rate of 5 percent per year were sustained, there would be only be about 1,000 new cartography and photogrammetry jobs created each year through 2032.