Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
SOC Code: 17-1021 Job Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $106,766 | $122,013 | $137,280 | $152,526 |
| Salinas, CA | $88,338 | $104,832 | $121,306 | $137,800 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $97,989 | $110,802 | $123,614 | $136,427 |
| Modesto, CA | $93,725 | $107,453 | $121,160 | $134,888 |
| Merced, CA | $82,763 | $100,006 | $117,229 | $134,472 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $98,842 | $110,552 | $122,242 | $133,952 |
| Fresno, CA | $83,262 | $100,110 | $116,938 | $133,786 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $93,101 | $106,579 | $120,037 | $133,515 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $90,314 | $104,374 | $118,414 | $132,475 |
| Vallejo, CA | $90,813 | $104,458 | $118,082 | $131,726 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 4.0 | |
| Writing | 3.5 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.5 | |
| Active Listening | 3.4 | |
| Active Learning | 3.2 | |
| Speaking | 3.1 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.1 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 | |
| Monitoring | 3.1 | |
| Coordination | 3.0 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Geography | 4.5 |
| Computers and Electronics | 4.2 |
| English Language | 3.5 |
| Design | 3.4 |
| Mathematics | 3.3 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 2.9 |
| Engineering and Technology | 2.8 |
| Education and Training | 2.8 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| Some college | 35.7% |
| Bachelor's degree | 30.0% |
| Associate's degree | 11.2% |
| Doctoral degree | 11.0% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 10.6% |
| Master's degree | 1.5% |
Typical Tasks
- Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
- Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
- Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
- Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
- Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
- Determine map content and layout, as well as production specifications such as scale, size, projection, and colors, and direct production to ensure that specifications are followed.
- Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
- Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
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