Life As a Mapping Technician
Career Description Calculate mapmaking information from field notes, and draw and verify accuracy of topographical maps.
Life As a Mapping Technician
- Monitor mapping work or the updating of maps to ensure accuracy, the inclusion of new or changed information, or compliance with rules and regulations.
- Train staff members in duties such as tax mapping, the use of computerized mapping equipment, or the interpretation of source documents.
- Answer questions and provide information to the public or to staff members regarding assessment maps, surveys, boundaries, easements, property ownership, roads, zoning, or similar matters.
- Calculate latitudes, longitudes, angles, areas, or other information for mapmaking, using survey field notes or reference tables.
- Enter Global Positioning System (GPS) data, legal deeds, field notes, or land survey reports into geographic information system (GIS) workstations so that information can be transformed into graphic land descriptions, such as maps or drawings.
- Research resources such as survey maps or legal descriptions to verify property lines or to obtain information needed for mapping.
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Mapping Technician Required Skills
These are the skills Mapping Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Types of Mapping Technician
- Topographic Computator
- Cartographic Aide
- Cartography/Mapping Technician
- Map Drafter
- Geodetic Computator
Mapping Technician Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 60,200 jobs for Mapping Technician in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 6,400 new jobs for Mapping Technician by 2026. The BLS estimates 7,200 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Mapping Technician are North Dakota, Utah, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Washington. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Mapping Technicians Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Mapping Technicians ranges between about $27,360 and $74,110 a year.

Mapping Technicians who work in California, Alaska, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How much do Mapping Technicians make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $42,850 |
Alaska | $59,850 |
Arizona | $53,730 |
Arkansas | $43,000 |
California | $69,910 |
Colorado | $52,360 |
Connecticut | $58,360 |
Delaware | $42,010 |
Florida | $40,900 |
Georgia | $42,180 |
Hawaii | $48,300 |
Idaho | $45,090 |
Illinois | $55,410 |
Indiana | $41,030 |
Iowa | $48,590 |
Kansas | $43,350 |
Kentucky | $38,960 |
Louisiana | $44,540 |
Maine | $43,640 |
Maryland | $49,820 |
Massachusetts | $59,320 |
Michigan | $38,070 |
Minnesota | $55,170 |
Mississippi | $43,030 |
Missouri | $42,560 |
Montana | $49,120 |
Nebraska | $45,530 |
Nevada | $51,400 |
New Hampshire | $48,300 |
New Jersey | $49,800 |
New Mexico | $47,440 |
New York | $52,470 |
North Carolina | $43,800 |
North Dakota | $51,200 |
Ohio | $44,280 |
Oklahoma | $45,870 |
Oregon | $54,570 |
Pennsylvania | $47,600 |
Rhode Island | $53,980 |
South Carolina | $38,250 |
South Dakota | $39,180 |
Tennessee | $46,020 |
Texas | $42,740 |
Utah | $51,090 |
Vermont | $51,840 |
Virginia | $47,570 |
Washington | $51,100 |
West Virginia | $42,750 |
Wisconsin | $43,500 |
Wyoming | $47,870 |
What Tools do Mapping Technicians Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Mapping Technicians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Database software
- Structured query language SQL
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Graphics software
- Bentley MicroStation
- ESRI ArcView
How do I Become a Mapping Technician?
Education needed to be a Mapping Technician:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Mapping Technicians Are Employed

The table below shows the approximate number of Mapping Technicians employed by various industries.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Mapping Technician may also be interested in:
Are you already one of the many Mapping Technician in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Mike1979 Russia via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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