The figures below represent the broad occupational group Surveying and Mapping Scientists which includes the occupations of Cartographic Drafters and Photogrammetrists. While most cartographers work for federal, regional, state, and local governments, a substantial number work in private industry with engineering, architectural, and surveying firms. Many are also employed by businesses which specialize in map publishing or map drafting services. Government agencies hire cartographers in areas such as highway departments, land management, natural resources planning, and national defense. Cartographers generally work alone behind a desk, drawing board, or in the controlled environment of automated mapping equipment and computers.
Few cartographers visit the places they map.
While some growth is expected in the employment of cartographers in private firms over the next several years, little growth is expected in the government sector. The continuing demand for maps will most likely be met by CAD and other technical advances in electronic data collection rather than by the hiring of additional workers. The occupation appears to be stable, with little turnover of workers. Openings occur occasionally, usually at entry level. Most job openings are expected to result from the need to replace those who change occupations, retire, or otherwise leave the labor force.