Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.
SOC: 15-1299.02
Common Job Titles
- GIS Specialist (Geographic Information Systems Specialist)
- GIS Technician (Geographic Information Systems Technician)
- Geographic Information System Analyst (GIS Analyst)
- Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS Analyst)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeAnalyze geospatial data and imagery using GIS software and remote sensing tools to support scientific research and analysis.Proficient
- KnowledgeDesign custom GIS applications and database solutions using programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, and SQL to meet user requirements.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate spatial data quality and accuracy following established standards and protocols to ensure compliance with project specifications.Proficient
- KnowledgeDevelop geodatabase schemas and data models working with relational database management systems and spatial data structures.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret spatial analysis results and geospatial information for scientists, stakeholders, and non-technical audiences through written reports and presentations.Proficient
- KnowledgeIntegrate geospatial data from multiple sources and formats using data transformation and integration tools within enterprise GIS environments.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate GPS receivers, LIDAR systems, and digitizing equipment in field and laboratory settings to collect and process geographic data.Developing
- MindsetSupport end users and interdisciplinary teams by providing technical assistance, training, and documentation for GIS systems and applications.Developing
- KnowledgeApply cartographic design principles and visualization techniques using ESRI ArcGIS, Adobe Creative Suite, and plotting tools to produce maps and spatial products.Developing
- MindsetCoordinate GIS project workflows and data management activities collaborating with scientists, technicians, and external partners to meet project deadlines.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
439,380
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $52,650. 25th percentile: U.S. $76,360. 50th percentile: U.S. $108,970. 75th percentile: U.S. $147,530. 90th percentile: U.S. $176,800. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $52,650 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $176,800 |
| Workers on average earn | $116,700 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Geography4.7/5
- Computers and Electronics4.5/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Mathematics3.9/5
- Design3.4/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Apple iOS
- Atlassian JIRA
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Bentley MicroStation
- Bootstrap
- C
- C#
- C++
- Cascading style sheets CSS
- Docker
- Drupal
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Extensible markup language XML
- Git
- GitHub
- Go
- Google Angular
- Google Workspace software
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- JavaScript Object Notation JSON
- Jenkins CI
- Kubernetes
- Linux
- Microsoft .NET Framework
- Microsoft ASP.NET
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Azure software
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
- Microsoft Visual Studio
- Microsoft Word
- Node.js
- Oracle Java
- Oracle PL/SQL
- PHP
- Perl
- PostgreSQL
- Python
- R
- React
- SAP software
- SAS
- ServiceNow
- Shell script
- Structured query language SQL
- Tableau
- Teradata Database
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Transact-SQL
- TypeScript
- UNIX
- jQuery
Technology Skills
- ADO.NET
- Adobe ActionScript
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- Agronomic modeling software
- ArcGIS Web AppBuilder
- Autodesk Land Desktop
- Autodesk MapGuide
- Autodesk Topobase
Tools & Equipment
- Computer data input scanners
- Computer laser printers
- Computer servers
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Digitizers
- Global positioning system GPS receivers
- Laptop computers