Life As a Mapping Technician
Occupation Description Calculate mapmaking information from field notes, and draw and verify accuracy of topographical maps.
Life As a Mapping Technician
- Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.
- Compare topographical features or contour lines with images from aerial photographs, old maps, or other reference materials to verify the accuracy of their identification.
- Trace contours or topographic details to generate maps that denote specific land or property locations or geographic attributes.
- Identify and compile database information to create maps in response to requests.
- Trim, align, and join prints to form photographic mosaics, maintaining scaled distances between reference points.
- Monitor mapping work or the updating of maps to ensure accuracy, the inclusion of new or changed information, or compliance with rules and regulations.
Featured schools near , edit
What a Mapping Technician Should Know
When polled, Mapping Technicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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
- Field Map Technician
- Utility Mapping Technician
- Cartographic Drafter
- Mapping Specialist
- Photogrammetric Compilation Specialist
Is There Going to be Demand for Mapping Technicians?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 60,200 jobs in the United States for Mapping Technician. 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. There will be an estimated 7,200 positions for Mapping Technician per year.

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.
What is the Average Salary of a Mapping Technician
The typical yearly salary for Mapping Technicians is somewhere between $27,360 and $74,110.

Mapping Technicians who work in California, Alaska, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Mapping Technicians in different U.S. states.
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Mapping Technicians
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 to Become a Mapping Technician
What kind of Mapping Technician requirements are there?

What work experience do I need to become a Mapping Technician?

Who Employs Mapping Technicians?

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:
Career changers with experience as a Mapping Technician sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Mike1979 Russia via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |