SalaryNode

Average Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Salary in California

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $107,520, significantly outpacing the national average of $81,110. This substantial difference is often attributed to California's robust economy, high demand for specialized geospatial services, and the generally higher cost of doing business within the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $107,520 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $135,330.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,070 individuals, the Cartographer and Photogrammetrist field in California represents a notable segment of the geospatial industry. The Location Quotient of 0.71 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of professionals indicates a substantial and active market for these specialized skills.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$107,520

The average Cartographers and Photogrammetrists in California earns+32.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$51.7

Weekly

$2,068

Monthly

$8,960

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists in California typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced skills and project management experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential available with accumulated expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$69,340$33.3
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$80,640$38.8
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$106,610$51.3
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$134,400$64.6
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$135,330$65.1

Detailed Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$107,520

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$77,632

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While California's average salary of $107,520 is attractive, it's crucial to consider the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that the purchasing power of the $107,520 salary is diminished compared to the national average, as goods and services are approximately 38.5% more expensive. Therefore, while the nominal income is high, the real disposable income may be closer to, or even below, what one might expect in a lower-cost-of-living area with a lower nominal salary.

Job Market Context

1,070

Total Jobs

0.059

Per 1K Jobs

0.71

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.71x the national average concentration of Cartographers and Photogrammetrists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.71 indicates that Cartographers and Photogrammetrists are employed in California at a rate slightly lower than the national average relative to the overall workforce. This suggests that while the state has a significant number of these professionals, the market is not overly saturated, and there may be opportunities for skilled individuals, though it's not a field of exceptionally high concentration compared to national benchmarks.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cartographers and Photogrammetrists make in California?

The median annual salary for a Cartographers and Photogrammetrists in California is $107,520. This typically ranges from $69,340 for entry-level positions to $135,330 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 32.6% higher than the national median of $81,110.

Is California a lucrative place for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists?

Yes, but with caveats.California offers a significantly higher average salary for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists compared to the national average. However, the elevated cost of living must be factored into the overall financial picture.

Is California a good place to live for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

What is the average salary for a Cartographer in California?

The average annual salary for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists in California is $107,520.

How does California's salary compare to the national average?

California's average salary of $107,520 is substantially higher than the national average of $81,110 for this profession.

Is the job market for Cartographers strong in California?

The market has a substantial workforce of 1,070, indicating a solid presence, though the Location Quotient of 0.71 suggests it's not disproportionately concentrated compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in California?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, the higher nominal salary in California is offset by increased expenses, meaning the real purchasing power of the salary is lower than the nominal figure suggests.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,070 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.059 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California