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
| 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 AcrobatAdobe After EffectsAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe PhotoshopAmazon Web Services AWS softwareApple iOSAtlassian JIRAAutodesk AutoCADBentley MicroStationBootstrapCC#C++Cascading style sheets CSSDockerDrupalESRI ArcGIS softwareExtensible markup language XMLGitGitHubGoGoogle AngularGoogle Workspace softwareHypertext markup language HTMLJavaScriptJavaScript Object Notation JSONJenkins CIKubernetesLinuxMicrosoft .NET FrameworkMicrosoft ASP.NETMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Azure softwareMicrosoft DynamicsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft SQL ServerMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft Visual Basic for Applications VBAMicrosoft Visual StudioMicrosoft WordNode.jsOracle JavaOracle PL/SQLPHPPerlPostgreSQLPythonRReactSAP softwareSASServiceNowShell scriptStructured query language SQLTableauTeradata DatabaseThe MathWorks MATLABTransact-SQLTypeScriptUNIXjQuery
Technology Skills
ADO.NETAdobe ActionScriptAdobe DreamweaverAgronomic modeling softwareArcGIS Web AppBuilderAutodesk Land DesktopAutodesk MapGuideAutodesk Topobase
Tools & Equipment
Computer data input scannersComputer laser printersComputer serversDesktop computersDigital camerasDigitizersGlobal positioning system GPS receiversLaptop computers