Nautical Cartographer

Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.

What a Nautical Cartographer does

Creates and updates official nautical charts by synthesizing hydrographic survey data, tide tables, and navigational hazard reports into precise documents that mariners worldwide rely on for safe passage.

Education & path

The typical entry point is a bachelor's degree. About 4 years.

Estimated cost of that path: ~$40,000. Estimated payback: ~3 years. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.

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