Cartographer
15AI EXPOSURE TODAY15
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST55%
NOT A FORECAST55%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£22,000 - £27,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM GEOGRAPHY AND EARTH SCIENCES →
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.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is low on our index (15), 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
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Earth Sciences (International Programme)University College London · 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.
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
GeologyUniversity of Exeter · DegreeOceanographyUniversity of Southampton · DegreeEarth Sciences (International Programme)University College London · DegreeGeographyBangor University · DegreeGeography and Economics (Regional Science) with Professional ExperienceThe University of Reading · DegreeGeography and Middle East StudiesUniversity of St Andrews · Degree