Computer & Mathematical
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Also called: Geospatial Technician, GIS Admin (Geographic Information Systems Administrator), GIS Analyst (Geographic Information System Analyst), GIS Analyst (Geographic Information Systems Analyst)
US median pay
$116,580
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+5.1%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
27,000
471,200 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
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 they do day to day
- Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.
- Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
- Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.
- Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information.
- Enter data into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, using techniques such as coordinate geometry, keyboard entry of tabular data, manual digitizing of maps, scanning or automatic conversion to vectors, or conversion of other sources of digital data.
- Interpret aerial or ortho photographs.
- Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software.
- Design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications or procedures.
- Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.
- Meet with clients to discuss topics such as technical specifications, customized solutions, or operational problems.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Complex Problem Solving3.6/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Systems Evaluation2.9/5
- Systems Analysis2.9/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.9/5
- Quality Control Analysis2.9/5
- Programming2.9/5
Knowledge
- Geography4.4/5
- Computers and Electronics4.2/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Engineering and Technology3.4/5
- Mathematics3.3/5
- Design3.3/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.