Cartography
Performs professional cartography work including map production, geographic analysis, and geospatial data management.
💰GS-1370 Salary Information
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.
Qualification Requirements
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.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ⚠️Note: Degree required for this series.
📝How to Qualify for GS-1370
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal cartography position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your 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).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-1370
Geospatial Information Technician
Cartography pathway. Highlight GIS expertise.
Imagery Analysis Specialist
Direct fit for GS-1370 Cartography at NGA, USGS, and federal mapping agencies. Photogrammetric processing skills from MOS school and operational GEOINT production translate cleanly.
Geospatial Intelligence
Cartography. Map production, geospatial data management, and spatial analysis at NGA, USGS, and Census Bureau.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Produce maps and charts
- •Analyze geographic data
- •Manage geospatial databases
- •Apply GIS technologies
- •Ensure cartographic standards
- •Coordinate map production
🎯Key Competencies
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.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked 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?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.