Salary distribution
Where California cartographers and photogrammetrists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $87,490 and $127,330, with a median of $106,610.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists in California: actual employer-disclosed pay
Public records from 5 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. Median offered wage: $78,707. Every figure below is an actual offered salary an employer attested to under federal law.
By DOL wage level
DOL classifies every offer into one of four wage levels based on the role's experience and skill requirements.
| Level | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|
| Level I — entry | 3 | $78,707 |
| Level III — experienced | 1 | $125,382 |
| Level IV — fully competent | 1 | $179,000 |
Top employers filing for this role
Companies with the most certified filings for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists in California. Median offer is across all of that employer's filings.
| Employer | Most-filed title | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyient, Inc. | Lead GIS Engineer | 3 | $78,707 |
| Apple Inc. | Alliance/Partnership | 2 | $152,191 |
Recent sample filings
A snapshot of recent certified offers. Each line is a real, public, verifiable record.
- Lead GIS Engineer at Cyient, Inc.$78,707Los AngelesWage Level IDecided Sep 8, 2025I-200-25241-275384
- Alliance/Partnership at Apple Inc.$179,000CupertinoWage Level IVDecided Jul 29, 2025I-203-25203-193317
- Lead GIS Engineer at Cyient, Inc.$78,707Los AngelesWage Level IDecided Aug 28, 2025I-200-25233-258833
- Lead GIS Engineer at Cyient, Inc.$78,707Los AngelesWage Level IDecided Aug 28, 2025I-200-25233-258371
- Maps Operations at Apple Inc.$125,382CupertinoWage Level IIIDecided Oct 24, 2024I-200-24291-412917
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Foreign Labor Certification. Disclosed wages reflect what employers attested to pay; actual paid wages may differ. Only certified filings are shown — denied and withdrawn cases are excluded.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists pay by experience level in California
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists in California, by industry
Median offered wage across 5 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Technology and software leads with a median of $78,707.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology and software | Cyient, Inc. | 3 | $78,707 |
| Manufacturing | Apple Inc. | 2 | $152,191 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in California over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.5 / 5
Geography
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 3.6 / 5
Inductive Reasoning
Ability
- 3.5 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
- 02
Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
- 03
Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
- 04
Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
- 05
Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
- 06
Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
- 07
Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
- 08
Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+6.7%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Explore coursesTop metros in California
Metro-level salary data for cartographers and photogrammetrists in major California metropolitan areas.
- San Jose$133,730
- Sacramento$128,410
- San Francisco$122,740
- Los Angeles$106,100
- Riverside$95,730
- San Diego$89,430
Compare Cartographers and Photogrammetrists pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists in California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists in California is $106,610.
- How does California compare to the national median for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists?
- The California median is +35.5% versus the BLS national figure of $78,664.
- What is the salary range for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists in California?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $69,340 and the 90th-percentile at $135,330, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Cartographers and Photogrammetrists a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 6.7% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.