Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics · Science and Mathematics

Bright outlookJob zone 4: considerable preparationO*NET 17-1021.00

Pay and outlook shown for

median pay per year, San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX

$49k10th$72kMedian$110k90th

New workers start near $49,010; experienced workers reach $109,890. About 90 people do this job in San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX.

Job outlook

Alamo region (San Antonio and 12 surrounding counties), Texas Workforce Commission projection 2024 to 2034; U.S. figures from the BLS.

Employment change: +13.3%; Alamo region, 83 to 94 jobs · U.S. +6%
Openings a year: 7; in the Alamo region, from growth and people leaving · U.S. 1,000
Employed in 2024: 83; in the Alamo region · U.S. 13,400

Typical entry education: Bachelor's degree

Alamo Colleges programs that lead here

1 program, with the college that teaches each.

Land Surveying Technician
Certificate · Online · Science & Technology

Apply to Alamo Colleges

Skills this career uses

The skills O*NET rates most important for the job, with how much of each the work needs on a 1 to 7 scale.

Reading Comprehension4.1
Critical Thinking3.8
Writing3.6
Active Listening3.5
Active Learning3.4
Speaking3.1
Monitoring3.1
Complex Problem Solving3.1

What the work is

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.

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.

Education people in this job have

Share of workers by highest education, from O*NET surveys. It shows what others did, not what you must do.

Certificate36%
Some college11%
Associate degree11%
Bachelor's degree32%
Master's degree11%

Job zone 4, considerable preparation: Usually a bachelor's degree, sometimes a strong associate plus experience.

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