Image that illustrates Map technician

Map technician

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 Map technician

Average salary 40 400 kr
Males 40 700 kr
Females 40 100 kr

What does a cartographer do? – Tasks and work environment

Cartographers work with collecting, processing, and analyzing geographic information to create and update maps and digital databases. Common tasks include interpreting aerial photographs and satellite images, managing geographic information systems (GIS), and collaborating with engineers, authorities, and other stakeholders. The profession often involves working with advanced software and digital technology, both in offices and sometimes in the field. Cartographers play a central role in urban planning, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure projects, with a work environment characterized by precision, technological development, and teamwork.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for cartographers has been relatively stable. In 2022, the average salary was 39,300 SEK per month, increasing to 40 400 in 2023, and remaining at the same level during 2024. This corresponds to an increase of approximately 2.8% between 2022 and 2023, followed by a period without further salary increases. The stable salary trend can largely be explained by a balanced labor market where supply and demand for GIS and cartography skills have been even. At the same time, technological advances and digitalization in the field are expected to increase demand for specialized cartographers in the long term, which may positively influence salaries in the future.

Cartographer salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 40 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,900 SEK/month (female, public sector, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 50,600 SEK/month (female, government sector, doctoral degree)
  • Hourly wage (average): 243 SEK
  • Women's salary: 40 100 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
  • Men's salary: 40 700 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Data is not available for specific regions, but variations may occur depending on employer and local labor market.

Education and qualifications

To work as a cartographer, a post-secondary education in geographic information processing, GIS, or mapping and surveying technology is usually required. The education includes both theoretical knowledge and practical components in digital map production and database work. Many employers also value experience with relevant software and careful attention to detail.

  • Type of education: Vocational university or university, typically 2–3 years
  • Certifications: Courses in GIS software and digital map production
  • Internship: Often included in the education through internships or traineeships
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for higher studies, mathematics, and computer skills are advantageous
  • Tips for choosing: Select education with a strong connection to digital technology and geographic analysis

Cartographers often work in cross-functional teams where collaboration between technology, urban planning, and environmental analysis is crucial. The combination of digital work and societal impact makes the profession attractive for those who want to contribute to long-term projects with significant influence on infrastructure and the environment.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Cartographers often have access to benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and opportunities for remote work. Other common compensations include occupational pension, professional development, insurance, and subsidized meals, especially in the public and government sectors.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for cartographers is characterized by a balanced recruitment situation, where the supply of qualified personnel roughly matches demand. However, competition for the most attractive positions exists, particularly in larger cities and public authorities. Challenges may arise as technical requirements evolve and digitalization increases. Staying competitive requires continuously updating IT skills and keeping up with new technologies in GIS and cartography. The profession also demands high accuracy and an interest in detailed work, which can be challenging during periods of high workload.

Tips for aspiring cartographers

To succeed as a cartographer, a genuine interest in technology and geography, along with analytical skills, is important. Precision is crucial to ensure data accuracy and high-quality map materials. Familiarity with GIS software and digital tools early on is advisable, as these are central to the profession. Collaboration skills are also important since many projects involve teamwork, often with engineers and urban planners. Flexibility and problem-solving skills facilitate handling technical issues or new working methods. Those interested in societal development and managing large datasets have good prospects for growth and development in the field.

Key facts about cartographers

  • Educational level: Post-secondary education, often 2–3 years
  • Work environment: Office-based with fieldwork elements
  • Work form: Usually full-time, with options for remote work
  • Demand: Moderate, with an increasing forecast according to the Swedish Public Employment Service
  • Special skills: GIS, digital map production, and geographic analysis

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, there are good opportunities for cartographers to advance to more specialized roles, such as GIS engineer, project manager in mapping, or expert in geographic databases. Many also choose to further their education in related fields like urban planning, environmental analysis, or IT development. The Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast indicates that demand for cartographic skills is expected to increase over the next five years, especially in the public sector and consulting industry. With 564 job openings in the field and an overall moderate job market outlook, the future prospects are positive for those with the right education and skills.

Frequently asked questions about cartographers

  • What is the average salary of a cartographer?
    - The average salary is 40 400 SEK per month.
  • Are there gender differences in salary?
    - Women earn an average of 40 100 SEK, while men earn 40 700 SEK, which means women earn 98% of men's salaries.
  • What are the future prospects for cartographers?
    - Demand is considered moderate today and is expected to increase over five years according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
  • What education is required to become a cartographer?
    - Post-secondary education in GIS, mapping and surveying technology, or geographic information processing, usually 2–3 years.
  • What are the job responsibilities of a cartographer?
    - Tasks include collecting, processing, and analyzing geographic data, as well as digital map production.
  • How do salaries vary between sectors?
    - The highest salary is in the government sector (50,600 SEK), while the lowest is in the public sector (34,900 SEK).
  • How many job openings are available in the field?
    - There are 564 job openings in GIS and mapping engineering professions.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Map technician 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 Map technician 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
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 Map technician has the SSYK code 3117, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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