We surveyed 516 cartographers to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical cartographer. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as a cartographer?

Low

High

Working as a cartographer typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that cartographers are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.

Can I learn to become a cartographer?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as a cartographer typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as a cartographer?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically quite difficult to find a job as a cartographer. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for cartographers.

Info

Do cartographers work full-time or part-time?

81% of cartographers work in full-time roles while 19% work part-time.

Is being a cartographer stressful?

Low

High

Cartographers tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.

Is being organized important as a cartographer?

Low

High

Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a cartographer.

How competitive is the workplace for cartographers?

Low

High

Competition at work is not common for cartographers.

Does being a cartographer require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for cartographers.

Are cartographers allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

Cartographers are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.

Do cartographers have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

Cartographers tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.

Is being a cartographer physically demanding?

Low

High

Work as a cartographers is rarely physically demanding, making it a suitable option for those unable to perform physically strenuous tasks.

Are cartographers exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

Cartographers tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.

Does being a cartographer require attention to detail?

Low

High

Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a cartographer.

Does being a good cartographer require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a cartographer.