How To Become A Mapping Technician: What It Is and Career Path

What is a mapping technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

A mapping technician helps to create maps. While most people have difficulty even folding maps, let alone making them, mapping technicians use survey databases, field images, and other tools to create accurate maps. The first maps were made in the 6th or 5th century B.C.E., but the tools of the trade have changed drastically since then. Now, mapping technicians need to know how to use technology such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite imagery, and even 3-D imaging software to do their jobs. They also need to be skilled at analyzing and organizing data. Mapping technicians can work for engineering firms, construction companies, or local governments, basically any place that needs accurate maps.

While some mapping technicians do just fine with only a high school diploma, most go on to earn a bachelor's in geography or a related field. In school, they learn how to use technological tools used to make maps like GIS.

Becoming a mapping technician takes a few years of study, but it's worth it. On average, mapping technicians earn about $56,524 a year.

ScoreMapping TechnicianUS Average

Salary

3.1

Avg. Salary $39,106

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.4

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.08%

Asian 3.21%

Black or African American 4.52%

Hispanic or Latino 13.15%

Unknown 3.66%

White 74.38%

Gender

female 32.30%

male 67.70%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress level

4.4

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

8.5

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a mapping technician

Explore mapping technician education requirements

Most common mapping technician degrees

Bachelor's

59.9 %

Associate

24.6 %

High School Diploma

6.8 %

Start to develop specific mapping technician skills

Skills	Percentages
GIS	20.59%
Data Collection	14.24%
Spatial Data	13.59%
GPS	11.88%
Computer Programs	4.38%

Complete relevant mapping technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New mapping technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a mapping technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real mapping technician resumes.

Research mapping technician duties and responsibilities

Manage a team of 35 AutoCAD drafters and engineering technicians.
Generate GIS database updates manually and manage automated unix-base system to apply records to client database.
Utilize geographic mapping systems: GIS, GATRES, INTERNETIX, GEOCAT, USGS
Supervise the construction of projects design by BMI.

Prepare your mapping technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your mapping technician resume.

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Choose from 10+ customizable mapping technician resume templates

Build a professional mapping technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your mapping technician resume.