Home / Federal careers / GS-1370
Cartography
Performs professional cartography work including map production, geographic analysis, and geospatial data management.
What GS-1370 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| 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 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-1370, as written.
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.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- This series carries a positive education requirement: a degree is required and experience cannot be substituted for it.
How to qualify for GS-1370
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Geospatial Intelligence
Cartography. Map production, geospatial data management, and spatial analysis at NGA, USGS, and Census Bureau.
Skills that carry over: Cartographic production, Spatial analysis, GIS database management, Map design, Geospatial standards.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12.
Geospatial Intelligence Specialist
0261s map directly to GS-1370 Cartography. Map and chart production and photogrammetry experience transfers without friction.
Skills that carry over: Cartographic production, Photogrammetry, GIS mapping, Quality control.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9, GS-11.
Geospatial Information Technician
Cartography pathway. Highlight GIS expertise.
Skills that carry over: Geospatial Analysis, GIS, Mapping, Terrain Analysis.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11, GS-12.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Produce maps and charts
- Analyze geographic data
- Manage geospatial databases
- Apply GIS technologies
- Ensure cartographic standards
- Coordinate map production
Key competencies
Map Design
Skill in designing effective maps and visualizations.
GIS
Proficiency in geographic information systems.
Data Compilation
Ability to compile and process geographic data.
Software
Knowledge of cartographic and design software.
Projections
Understanding of map projections and coordinate systems.
Symbology
Skill in developing effective map symbols and legends.
Quality Control
Ability to review maps for accuracy and completeness.
Remote Sensing
Knowledge of imagery interpretation for mapping.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-1370
What is a Cartographer?
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.
How much does a federal Cartographer make?
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.
What are the requirements for GS-1370 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1370?
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.
What is the career progression for Cartographer?
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.
How do I apply for GS-1370 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to apply for GS-1370?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.