How much does a Cartographer make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Cartographer
Image that illustrates Cartographer

Cartographer

40 400 kr

GIS and mapping engineers

34 900 - 50 600 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

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Salary progression Cartographer

Average salary 40 400 kr
Males 40 700 kr
Females 40 100 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 4 Vacant jobs ->

What does a cartographer do? – Tasks and work environment

A cartographer, often working within the GIS and mapping engineer professions, creates, analyzes, and updates maps and geographic information. Tasks typically include handling digital mapping tools, collecting and processing data, and visualizing geographic information for purposes such as urban planning, environmental work, and infrastructure projects. Cartographers often collaborate with engineers, urban planners, and authorities to ensure that map materials are accurate and up-to-date. The work environment is mainly office-based with some fieldwork, especially during data collection or quality control in the field.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for cartographers have shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 39,300 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, the salary increased to 40 400 SEK, which is approximately a 2.8 % increase. Between 2023 and 2024, the average salary remained at 40 400 SEK, indicating a slowdown in salary growth. This trend reflects a balanced market where demand for skills remains stable but larger salary increases have been absent, likely due to the relatively high education level and moderate competition for positions. Salary development is also influenced by technological advances within GIS and the need for advanced digital skills.

Cartographer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 40 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,900 SEK/month (female, public sector, post-secondary education < 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 50,600 SEK/month (female, government sector, research degree)
  • Hourly wage (average): 243 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (40 100 SEK vs 40 700 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a cartographer, a post-secondary education in geography, GIS (geographic information systems), or mapping and surveying techniques is generally required. Many employers prefer a university degree, but it is also possible to develop skills through certifications and courses in GIS and digital map production. Internships and work experience are often advantageous as they provide insight into software and workflows.

  • Formal education: University degree in GIS, geography, or mapping and surveying techniques (3–4 years)
  • Certifications: Short courses in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS)
  • Internships: Internships during studies or trainee programs are recommended
  • Prerequisites: Basic math, technology, and computer skills
  • Self-study: Online courses and self-education in digital mapping and GIS

Many cartographers have opportunities to work internationally, as GIS systems and digital mapping are used worldwide. Those specializing in areas such as environmental issues or urban development can find exciting projects outside Sweden’s borders.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Cartographers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote work. Other common benefits include occupational pension, skills development through courses and conferences, and subsidized work tools. Employment in the public sector may also include longer vacation days and parental leave benefits.

Competition and challenges

The job market for cartographers is characterized by moderate competition, with the number of available positions matching the number of qualified applicants. A challenge is the rapid technological development within GIS and digital mapping, which requires continuous skills upgrading. At the same time, there is an increasing demand for advanced analysis and visualization of geographic information. The industry is also influenced by political decisions and societal development, where digitalization and data-driven processes are becoming increasingly important. To stand out in the job market, it is essential to stay updated with new software and methods.

Tips for aspiring cartographers

To succeed as a cartographer, it’s beneficial to combine analytical skills with an interest in technology and geography. Those who are detail-oriented can benefit from early specialization in digital mapping tools and GIS software, as these are central to the profession. Good communication skills are important since the work often involves collaboration with other professionals and presenting complex information clearly. Curiosity about societal development can help in choosing a specialization, such as environmental or urban planning, broadening career opportunities. Continuously developing IT skills and participating in courses or certifications can make a significant difference. Flexibility is also valued, as tasks and technologies evolve rapidly. Last but not least, patience is an asset, as accuracy and attention to detail are crucial for delivering high-quality maps.

Key facts about Cartographers

  • Education level: Post-secondary degree, often university (3–4 years)
  • Work environment: Office-based, sometimes fieldwork
  • Demand: Moderate opportunities, increasing demand over 5 years
  • Typical employment: Full-time, often within public sector or consulting firms
  • Special skills: GIS software, digital map production

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a cartographer can advance to become a GIS specialist, technical project manager, or take responsibility for larger mapping projects. There are also opportunities for further education and roles such as GIS analyst or consultant in geographic information management. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that job opportunities are considered moderate nationwide, with demand expected to grow over the next five years. The job market is balanced, but technical skills and experience with advanced GIS tools provide advantages. The profession currently has approximately 564 job openings, indicating continued stable demand.

Frequently asked questions about Cartographers

  • What is the average salary of a cartographer?
    - The average salary for a cartographer is 40 400 SEK per month.
  • What qualifications are required to become a cartographer?
    - A post-secondary education in GIS, geography, or mapping and surveying techniques is recommended, often at university level.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 98% of what men do within the profession (40 100 SEK vs 40 700 SEK).
  • What are the job tasks of a cartographer?
    - Creating, analyzing, and updating maps, and managing geographic information digitally.
  • What is the job market outlook for cartographers?
    - Opportunities are moderate, with demand expected to increase over the next five years.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a cartographer?
    - Highest reported salary is 50,600 SEK (female, government sector, research degree), lowest is 34,900 SEK (female, public sector, post-secondary education < 3 years).
  • Which software is most used in the profession?
    - Common programs include ArcGIS and QGIS, along with other GIS and mapping tools.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 23:35:18

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Cartographer is 50600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Government sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 42200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Cartographer is 34900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 35900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 97% 38300 kr 38500 kr
35-44 100% 40600 kr 40800 kr
45-54 99% 41300 kr 41400 kr
55-64 98% 40600 kr 40800 kr
Snitt 98% 40200 kr 40400 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Cartographer has the SSYK code 3117, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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