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.
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
SOC: 15-1299 O*NET: 15-1299.02
Median Salary
$108,970
per year
Job Growth
🚀 8.2%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
31.3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
What does a Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$52,650
10th percentile
Early Career
$76,360
25th percentile
Median
$108,970
50th percentile
Experienced
$147,530
75th percentile
Top Earners
$176,800
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$52,650
25th
$76,360
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$108,970
Mean: $116,700
75th
$147,530
90th
$176,800
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $124,150 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $76,360 and $147,530
- •Salary spread is 65.3% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 439,380 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:472,000
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services29.6%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services29.6%
Computer Systems Design and Related Services17.9%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+8.2%
Annual Openings:31,300
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)472,000
Current
2034 (Projected)510,500
+8.2%
+38,500
Employment Change
+8.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
85,270 jobs$128,7501.66x
Texas
59,680 jobs$108,1701.51x
Maryland
19,940 jobs$141,5402.55x
Georgia
18,590 jobs$100,9501.34x
Florida
18,320 jobs$102,7500.65x
Pennsylvania
17,710 jobs$102,3301.03x
District of Columbia
17,210 jobs$137,6108.52x
Virginia
14,020 jobs$132,8101.21x
North Carolina
13,660 jobs$106,2400.98x
Washington
13,620 jobs$131,8001.35x
Missouri
13,180 jobs$84,2501.59x
New Jersey
12,490 jobs$103,9101.03x
Illinois
11,440 jobs$100,3100.66x
New York
9,860 jobs$105,2100.36x
Colorado
8,690 jobs$119,5601.05x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
94%
#3
Complex Problem Solving
86%
#4
Active Listening
80%
#5
Monitoring
74%
#6
Systems Evaluation
66%
#7
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
#8
Speaking
54%
#9
Writing
46%
#10
Systems Analysis
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced4.3
86%
Active Listening
intermediate4.0
80%
Monitoring
intermediate3.7
74%
Systems Evaluation
intermediate3.3
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.0
60%
Speaking
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Systems Evaluation
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Speaking
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Writing
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Systems Analysis
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors100%
5 shared skills
Foresters100%
5 shared skills
Actuaries82%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers82%
5 shared skills
Water Resource Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Systems Evaluation
- →Speaking
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Complex Problem Solving
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Complex Problem Solving
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Technology Intensity
Low
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires basic digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Email and internet usageBasic software navigationFile management
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians professionals typically have a CIR Holland code and highly value achievement
CConventional
IInvestigative
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.66
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.55
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.35
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.33
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.23
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.17
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.7
Analytical Thinking
4.5
Independence
4.3
Integrity
4.3
Dependability
4.2
Initiative
4.2
Innovation
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.1
Persistence
4.1
Cooperation
4.0
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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