Map drafter vs field map technician

The differences between map drafters and field map technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a map drafter has an average salary of $54,764, which is higher than the $48,797 average annual salary of a field map technician.

The top three skills for a map drafter include CAD, GIS and . The most important skills for a field map technician are GPS, , and .

Map drafter vs field map technician overview

	Map Drafter	Field Map Technician
Yearly salary	$54,764	$48,797
Hourly rate	$26.33	$23.46
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	2,144	58,677
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	-	-

Map drafter vs field map technician salary

Map drafters and field map technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Map Drafter	Field Map Technician
Average salary	$54,764	$48,797
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $75,000	Between $33,000 And $71,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between map drafter and field map technician education

There are a few differences between a map drafter and a field map technician in terms of educational background:

	Map Drafter	Field Map Technician
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common major	Drafting And Design	Geology
Most common college	Carnegie Mellon University	University of Pennsylvania

Map drafter vs field map technician demographics

Here are the differences between map drafters' and field map technicians' demographics:

	Map Drafter	Field Map Technician
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3%	Male, 71.0% Female, 29.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Asian, 2.9% White, 78.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%	Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Asian, 2.9% White, 78.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between map drafter and field map technician duties and responsibilities

Map drafter example responsibilities.

Work with GLO surveys, quad maps and aerial imagery.
Complete dimensional documentation, BOM, structural frame welding and assembly documentation.
Input bearings and points using LDD software.

Field map technician example responsibilities.

Generate GIS database updates manually and manage automated unix-base system to apply records to client database.
Work on PC and network maintenance, repair and configuration conducting troubleshooting and resolution of customer connectivity and Internet/Exchange configuration issues.
Compile and edit design scale digital photogrammetric maps.

Map drafter vs field map technician skills

Common map drafter skills

CAD, 77%
GIS, 23%

Common field map technician skills

GPS, 100%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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