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Cartographer

Cartographers make maps - both old-fashioned paper ones and digital maps that appear on phones and computers. They turn information about places into clear, useful pictures that help people find their way around.

Cartographer

15

Geography and Earth Sciences

AI IMPACT
AI USED FOR15%moving to55%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSC
STARTING PAY£22,000 - £27,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.

THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years

This job holds up well against AI
AI is used for very little of what this job actually involves today, and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

Career progression path

1FIRST STEPJunior CartographerAs a Junior Cartographer, you will assist in the creation of maps and data analysis, gaining hands-on experience with GIS software and learning from senior team members.£22,000 - £27,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level CartographerIn this role, you will take on more complex mapping projects, lead small teams, and have a greater influence on design decisions and project outcomes.£30,000 - £38,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior CartographerAs a Senior Cartographer, you will oversee major projects, mentor junior staff, and drive innovation in mapping techniques and technologies.£42,000+

The degree route

Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.

🎓GeologyUniversity of Exeter · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓OceanographyUniversity of Southampton · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,500 median
🎓Earth Sciences (International Programme)University College London · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
🎓GeographyBangor University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
🎓Geography and Economics (Regional Science) with Professional ExperienceThe University of Reading · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
🎓Geography and Middle East StudiesUniversity of St Andrews · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£28,000 median

All Geography and Earth Sciences courses as cards →

Real apprenticeship standards

Live UK apprenticeship standards that lead into this career, from the Institute for Apprenticeships register.

L6Geospatial mapping and science specialist (degree)60 months typicalnot published
There is more than one way in

You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.

Recommended UK degrees

Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.