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
$81,390
$6,783/mo
Entry Level
$53,500
starting pay
Senior Level
$104,500
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Cartographers and Photogrammetrists (SOC 17-1021) at a national median of $81,390 per year (mean $86,690), or $39.13 per hour, with 14,260 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
14K
5-Year Growth
+12%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$39.13/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,783
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
$87,000
$7,250/month · $3,346/biweekly · $41.83/hr
Cartographer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Cartographer field.
Entry-level Cartographers earn around $53,500, while the top 10% earn $119,050 or more.
Top Paying States for Cartographers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $96,000 | +$14,610 |
| Maryland | $88,000 | +$6,610 |
| Virginia | $86,000 | +$4,610 |
| Colorado | $85,000 | +$3,610 |
| Texas | $80,000 | $-1,390 |
Top Paying Cities for Cartographers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $102,000 | +$20,610 |
| Washington DC | $94,000 | +$12,610 |
| Denver | $86,000 | +$4,610 |
| Baltimore | $85,000 | +$3,610 |
| Austin | $84,000 | +$2,610 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Cartographer Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Cartographer.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Cartographer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Cartographer from entry level to expert.
$53,500
0-2 years
$79,000
3-7 years
$104,500
8-14 years
$133,600
15+ years
Related Science Jobs
Cartographer Salary FAQ
How much does a Cartographer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Cartographer in the United States is $81,390 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists (SOC 17-1021); the mean is $86,690. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $53,500, senior professionals around $104,500, and top earners at $133,600 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Cartographer?
A Cartographer typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 1-3 years of experience. Key skills include GIS, Remote Sensing, QGIS. Relevant certifications such as GISP Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Cartographers?
The job market for Cartographers is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 14K Cartographer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 12%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Cartographers the most?
The highest-paying states for Cartographers include Virginia, Colorado, California. In Virginia, the median salary is approximately $86,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Cartographer salary?
To increase your Cartographer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like GIS and Remote Sensing. Pursue certifications such as GISP Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Washington DC. With 1-3 years of experience, you can progress from $53,500 to $104,500 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Cartographer Salary
How we calculate Cartographer salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists (SOC 17-1021), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $81,390, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists; BLS mean $86,690; BLS hourly median $39.13.
- Entry-level ($53,500) and senior-level ($104,500) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 14,260 Cartographers and Photogrammetrists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 12% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Science sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $81,390; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Cartographer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Cartographer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Science
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Cartographer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (GIS, Remote Sensing, QGIS), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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