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Performs professional cartography work including map production, geographic analysis, and geospatial data management.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1370
Degree: cartography; or a major that included or was supplemented by at least 30 semester hours in cartography and/or directly related science, and related mathematics. Such course work includes, but is not limited to, cartography, astronomy, geodesy, photogrammetry, physical and geological oceanography, computer science, land surveying, geophysics, physical geography, and remote sensing. The 30 semester hours must have included at least 6, but no more than 15, semester hours of college level, non-business mathematics or statistics (i.e., college level algebra, trigonometry, calculus, or scientific mathematics or statistics requiring equivalent college-level courses as prerequisites).
or
Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in cartography, or a major that included or was supplemented by at least 30 semester hours in cartography, and/or directly related science, and related mathematics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Evaluation of Experience: Applicants whose experience in cartography was in the Federal service may have gained this experience by working in an occupational series other than GS-1370. Occupations in which experience may have been gained include Geography, GS-150; Civil Engineering, GS-810; General Physical Science, GS-1301; Geodesy, GS-1372; and Land Surveying, GS-1373.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal cartography position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-1370
Cartography pathway. Highlight GIS expertise.
Strong mapping and geospatial skills. Imagery interpretation directly applicable to cartography work.
Cartography pathway.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Skill in designing effective maps and visualizations.
Proficiency in geographic information systems.
Ability to compile and process geographic data.
Knowledge of cartographic and design software.
Understanding of map projections and coordinate systems.
Skill in developing effective map symbols and legends.
Ability to review maps for accuracy and completeness.
Knowledge of imagery interpretation for mapping.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1370 Cartographer produces maps and geographic visualizations for the federal government. These specialists design maps, compile geographic data, manage geospatial databases, apply GIS technologies, ensure cartographic standards, and coordinate map production for agencies like USGS, NGA (National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency), Census Bureau, and Forest Service.
Federal Cartographers earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-9 through GS-12. A GS-11 Cartographer earns $63,163-$82,108, while GS-12 positions pay $75,706-$98,422. NGA and USGS are major employers with positions in various locations.
GS-1370 requires a cartography degree or 30 semester hours in cartography and/or related sciences (geodesy, photogrammetry, oceanography, computer science, land surveying, geophysics, physical geography, remote sensing) plus related mathematics. The 30 hours must include 6-15 hours of college-level non-business math or statistics. GIS proficiency and design software skills are essential.
The required education cannot be substituted with military experience alone. However, veterans with geography or GIS degrees and military geospatial experience are excellent candidates. Army Geospatial Engineers, intelligence analysts working with imagery, and those with NGA-related military experience have directly transferable backgrounds when combined with required education.
Cartographers follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-11 or GS-12. Senior cartographers reach GS-13. Career paths include specializing in digital cartography, GIS database management, or geospatial intelligence. Some transition to Geography (GS-0150), Land Surveying (GS-1373), or GIS coordination roles.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Cartographer" under series 1370. USGS, NGA, Census Bureau, Forest Service, and BLM are primary employers. Highlight GIS software proficiency (ArcGIS, QGIS), map design experience, database management skills, and remote sensing knowledge. Include specific cartographic projects and coordinate systems expertise in your federal resume.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.