We surveyed 555 cartographers to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical cartographer. Here are the results.
Can I learn to become a cartographer?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a cartographer typically depends predominantly on qualities you’re born with, with a small aspect of skills you can learn.
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.
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 particularly 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 cartographer 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 compassionate and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a cartographer.