What does a compiler do?

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Compilers are skilled professionals who are responsible for compiling directories and census reports using data obtained from surveys or census. These compilers must assist survey crews in developing and producing maps and cartographic information using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for property owners and businesses. They must utilize analytical mapping software and hardware so that they can compile planimetric data and DTM data for contour generation. Compilers must also create tutorials on spatial methodology related to spatial analysis for GIS users.

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Compiler responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real compiler resumes:

Direct compilers in the collection and development of desire statistics to be analyze for schedule development.
Train inexperienced compilers in the data capture techniques.
Represent new Linux compiler at user forums and at trade shows
Used 3DCardinal VR privately license mapping software to produce maps digitally.
Research, pack, test, deliver and set up equipment.
Implement a simple compiler written in Java and utilizing the ANTLRtool for language recognition
Assist survey crews out in the field, including setting up GPS stations.
Prepare and create floor plans for contractors in compliance with local zoning requirements using AutoCAD program
Update, maintain, and create large tax map jobs for various townships using AutoCAD.
Train new employees and work on a daily basis with contractors including Lockheed-Martin, Northrop-Grumman, SAIC, and ESRI
Compile large-scale topographic and planimetric models.
Collect and digitize nautical features using photogrammetric processes
Conduct global reviews of team members' extraction areas ensuring that newly extract data merge successfully with existing adjacent data.

Compiler skills and personality traits

We calculated that 34% of Compilers are proficient in C, Compilers, and Code Generation. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Detail oriented, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Compilers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

C, 34%
Worked as a team member building a standards compliant C compiler using C++ for a unique SOC.
Compilers, 25%
Designed and implemented changes to both the front and back ends of FORTRAN, C, C++, and Pascal compilers.
Code Generation, 20%
Implement the part of Code Generation that print out the assembly language for the source code if there's no error.
Linux, 13%
Represented new Linux compiler at user forums and at trade shows
Java, 8%
Implemented a simple compiler written in Java and utilizing the ANTLRtool for language recognition

"c," "compilers," and "code generation" are among the most common skills that compilers use at work. You can find even more compiler responsibilities below, including:

Computer skills. The most essential soft skill for a compiler to carry out their responsibilities is computer skills. This skill is important for the role because "both cartographers and photogrammetrists must have experience working with computer data and coding." Additionally, a compiler resume shows how their duties depend on computer skills: "determine scales, line sizes, and colors to be used for hard copies of computerized maps, using plotters. "

Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling compiler duties is detail oriented. The role rewards competence in this skill because "cartographers must focus on details when conceiving a map and deciding what features to include." According to a compiler resume, here's how compilers can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "designed, researched, and created 50+ highly detailed aaa road maps. "

Problem-solving skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of compilers is problem-solving skills. This skill is critical to many everyday compiler duties, as "cartographers and photogrammetrists must be able to reconcile differences between aerial photographs, land surveys, and satellite images." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "contracted to esri in 2007 for quality assurance testing completed esri training course for nautical solution"

The three companies that hire the most compilers are:

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Compare different compilers

Compiler vs. Photogrammetrist

If we compare the average compiler annual salary with that of a photogrammetrist, we find that photogrammetrists typically earn a $22,233 higher salary than compilers make annually.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between compilers and photogrammetrist. For instance, compiler responsibilities require skills such as "c #," "c," "c++," and "compilers." Whereas a photogrammetrist is skilled in "remote sensing," "image processing," "lidar," and "photogrammetric." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Photogrammetrists tend to reach lower levels of education than compilers. In fact, photogrammetrists are 6.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 3.2% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Compiler vs. Cartography technician

Cartography technician positions earn lower pay than compiler roles. They earn a $9,483 lower salary than compilers per year.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, compiler responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "c #," "c," "c++," and "compilers." Meanwhile, a cartography technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "party software," "map generation," "garmin," and "crm software." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Average education levels between the two professions vary. Cartography technicians tend to reach lower levels of education than compilers. In fact, they're 10.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 3.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Compiler vs. Digital cartographer

On average, digital cartographers earn higher salaries than compilers, with a $14,432 difference per year.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a compiler is likely to be skilled in "c #," "c," "c++," and "compilers," while a typical digital cartographer is skilled in "gps," "style guides," "computer system," and "digitizing."

When it comes to education, digital cartographers tend to earn lower degree levels compared to compilers. In fact, they're 16.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 2.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Compiler vs. Mapper

Mappers tend to earn a higher pay than compilers by an average of $21,963 per year.While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "c #," "c," "c++," and "compilers" are skills that commonly show up on compiler resumes. On the other hand, mappers use skills like cad software, pipeline project, edi, and as-built on their resumes.In general, mappers hold lower degree levels compared to compilers. Mappers are 13.2% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 4.8% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of compiler

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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