Cartographer Salary in 2026
Cartographers design and produce maps using geographic information systems, satellite imagery, and survey data. They create digital and physical maps for navigation, planning, and analysis.
Median Salary
$67,000
$5,583/mo
Entry Level
$44,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$86,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Cartographer Overview
Cartographers design and produce maps using geographic information systems, satellite imagery, and survey data. They create digital and physical maps for navigation, planning, and analysis.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Science
Total Jobs (US)
12K
5-Year Growth
+12%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$32.21/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,583
Cartographer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Cartographer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Cartographer Salary
$72,000
$6,000/month · $2,769/biweekly · $34.62/hr
Cartographer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Cartographer field.
Entry-level Cartographers earn around $44,000, while the top 10% earn $98,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Cartographers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $79,000 | +$12,000 |
| Maryland | $72,000 | +$5,000 |
| Virginia | $71,000 | +$4,000 |
| Colorado | $70,000 | +$3,000 |
| Texas | $66,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Cartographers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $84,000 | +$17,000 |
| Washington DC | $77,000 | +$10,000 |
| Denver | $71,000 | +$4,000 |
| Baltimore | $70,000 | +$3,000 |
| Austin | $69,000 | +$2,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Cartographer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Cartographer from entry level to expert.
$44,000
0-2 years
$65,000
3-7 years
$86,000
8-14 years
$110,000
15+ years
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Cartographer Salary FAQ
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