The job of a cartographer in the Federal sector is evolving. There is a strong emphasis by Congress to contract to the private sector the production and collection of geospatial data. While Federal cartographers continue to produce graphic map products and collect digital geospatial data, there is a growing tendency to utilize cartographers as Geographic Information Specialists, evaluators of data produced under contract or by the private sector, developers of geospatial content, documentation, and transfer standards, and integrators of geospatial data across many disciplines.
Federal cartographers usually have a bachelor's or master's degree in geography, cartography, or civil engineering.
Salary Data
Entry level positions for cartographers are typically filled at the GS-5 or GS-7 level, occasionally GS-9 or GS-11 entry level positions are available based on the education level and qualifications of the applicant. The 2001 General Schedule (excluding locality payments) is as follows:
| GS-5 | $21,946 |
| GS-7 | $27,185 |
| GS-9 | $33,254 |
| GS-11 | $40,236 |
Although entry level salaries may seem low, wages improve with time and experience. The average annual salary for a federal government cartographer in 1999 was $56,300.
Major U.S. federal agencies employing cartographers and geographic information specialists include:
Department of Commerce:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
National Geodetic Survey
U.S. Census Bureau
Department of the Interior:
U.S. Geological Survey
Bureau of Land Management
National Park Service
Department of Agriculture:
Forest Service
Environmental Protection Agency
Department of Defense:
National Imagery and Mapping Agency
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