Cartographer

A cartographer designs, produces, and maintains maps and spatial datasets for government agencies, surveying firms, local councils, and private organisations across Australia. They combine field survey data, satellite imagery, and GIS software to create accurate representations of geographic features, boundaries, and infrastructure for planning, navigation, and resource management purposes.

Collect and verify spatial data from field surveys, GPS receivers, LiDAR, and aerial photography to ensure accuracy of map features. Process raw survey data and satellite imagery using GIS software such as ArcGIS, QGIS, or MapInfo to create digital map layers. Interpret topographic data, cadastral records, and land titles to accurately depict property boundaries and terrain on maps. Design map layouts, symbology, legends, and colour schemes to communicate geographic information clearly to end users. Develop thematic maps for applications including land use planning, environmental assessment, infrastructure management, and disaster response. Update and maintain existing map databases and spatial datasets in response to infrastructure changes, boundary redefinitions, and new survey information. Compile and integrate multiple data sources including orthophotos, contours, hydrography, and administrative boundaries into cohesive map products. Apply Australian Map Grid projections and coordinate systems such as MGA2020 to ensure spatial accuracy and interoperability.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

The pay ceiling is real and low. You're also locked into specific software (ArcGIS licences are expensive and employers control access), and accuracy demands mean repetitive detail work with zero room for creative shortcuts. Automation may reduce some entry-level map production work.

Jobs concentrate in capital cities mainly in local government planning departments, state agencies (transport, water, environment), and surveying firms. Practically speaking: regional councils exist but offer fewer positions and lower pay. Remote work is uncommon because field survey verification is part of the role. Most stable employment is government-based.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2322, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Attention to Detailcore
• Cartographycore
• Data Entry and Accuracycore
• Digital Literacycore
• Microsoft Excel Data Managementcore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Quality Assurance and Checkingcore
• Record Managementcore
• Report Writingcore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Apply digital mapping
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Electronic Document Management
• Power BI Reporting and Dashboards
• Process Documentation
• Regulatory and Legislative Awareness
• Stakeholder Communication
• Verbal Communication

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026