Occupation · SOC 15-1299.02
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.
Median wage
$108,970
$52,650–$176,800
Projected growth
+8.2%
Faster than average
Annual openings
3,850
per year
Employed (US)
439,380
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
2,508 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingSpeakingActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingWritingSocial PerceptivenessMonitoringMathematicsCoordinationActive LearningTime ManagementProgrammingSystems AnalysisService OrientationPersuasionManagement of Personnel ResourcesLearning StrategiesSystems EvaluationInstructingScienceOperations MonitoringNegotiationTechnology DesignOperations AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesOperation and ControlQuality Control AnalysisEquipment SelectionTroubleshootingRepairingInstallationEquipment Maintenance
Knowledge areas
GeographyComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageMathematicsDesignCustomer and Personal ServiceEngineering and TechnologyEducation and TrainingAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeLaw and GovernmentPublic Safety and SecurityCommunications and MediaBiologyPhysicsProduction and ProcessingTransportationHistory and ArcheologyChemistrySociology and AnthropologySales and MarketingTelecommunicationsMechanicalEconomics and AccountingPersonnel and Human ResourcesBuilding and ConstructionPsychologyFine ArtsForeign LanguageMedicine and DentistryTherapy and CounselingPhilosophy and TheologyFood Production
Technology & tools
ADO.NETAdobe AcrobatAdobe ActionScriptAdobe After EffectsAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe DreamweaverAdobe IllustratorAdobe PhotoshopAgronomic modeling softwareAmazon Web Services AWS softwareApple iOSArcGIS Web AppBuilderAtlassian JIRAAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk Land DesktopAutodesk MapGuideAutodesk TopobaseBentley MicroStationBootstrapCC#C++CDA International Manifold SystemCascading style sheets CSSComputer aided design and drafting software CADDCoordinate geometry COGO softwareDockerDrupalESRI ArcEditorESRI ArcGIS ArcPyESRI ArcGIS Geostatistical AnalystESRI ArcGIS Spatial AnalystESRI ArcGIS Survey 123ESRI ArcGIS softwareESRI ArcIMSESRI ArcInfoESRI ArcPadESRI ArcSDEESRI ArcViewEmail software
Representative tasks
Working with ComputersAnalyzing Data or InformationProcessing InformationGetting InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersThinking CreativelyEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsDocumenting/Recording InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsTraining and Teaching OthersScheduling Work and ActivitiesJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersCoaching and Developing OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicDeveloping and Building TeamsPerforming Administrative ActivitiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsSelling or Influencing OthersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentControlling Machines and ProcessesAssisting and Caring for OthersStaffing Organizational UnitsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentHandling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical Activities
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
GIS data entry tasks — execute using keyboard input, manual digitizing, and coordinate geometry under direct supervision in a municipal or environmental office setting.Existing GIS databases — update and maintain basic records following established protocols and data standards on an entry-level technician team.Incoming spatial datasets — review for obvious errors, missing attributes, and formatting inconsistencies using checklist-based quality control procedures.Basic map layers — produce using standard GIS software templates and predefined symbology under close guidance from a senior technician.Scanned paper maps and tabular data — convert to digital vector formats using semi-automated tools with supervisor review before final submission.GIS hardware and software applications — operate at a foundational level to open, view, and navigate spatial datasets in a desktop GIS environment.Technical documentation and data dictionaries — read and apply to ensure correct attribute entry and layer naming conventions on assigned projects.Simple spatial queries — run using database user interface tools to retrieve and display specific geographic features for routine information requests.Colleagues and supervisors — communicate clearly about data discrepancies or workflow questions using active listening and concise verbal reporting.Basic coordinate systems and projections — identify and apply correctly when importing or exporting datasets in a supervised GIS workflow.
developing
Thematic maps and data tables — design and produce using spatial analysis procedures and GIS software with limited oversight for client-ready deliverables.Existing GIS databases — modify and reorganize by adding new feature classes, updating schema, and managing versioning in a multi-user geodatabase environment.Spatial data from multiple sources — evaluate for currency, accuracy, and completeness using established quality assurance workflows and metadata standards.GIS data layers — build and symbolize for graphic representations that communicate geographic relationships clearly to non-technical stakeholders.Routine GIS programming scripts — write and maintain using Python or SQL to automate repetitive data processing tasks in a production environment.Vector and raster data — digitize, georeference, and integrate from field collection, scanning, or third-party sources into a departmental GIS database.Spatial analysis tools — apply to answer moderately complex geographic questions such as proximity analysis, overlay operations, and network routing.Technical guidance — provide to end users on basic GIS software functionality, data access procedures, and map interpretation in a government or consulting context.CAD drawings and engineering files — convert and incorporate into GIS environments to support infrastructure or land-use mapping projects.Analytical or scientific GIS software — configure and use for intermediate modeling tasks including terrain analysis and watershed delineation.
proficient
Complex GIS databases — design, maintain, and optimize autonomously to support multi-department or multi-agency spatial data sharing and analysis needs.Advanced spatial analysis workflows — develop and execute using cartography, data manipulation, and modeling software to solve non-routine geographic problems.Custom GIS applications — program, test, and deploy using development environment software and scripting languages to extend core GIS platform capabilities.High-quality cartographic products — author independently, applying design principles, projection selection, and visual hierarchy for publication or public presentation.Incoming and legacy datasets — audit comprehensively for accuracy, lineage, and documentation quality, then remediate or flag according to organizational standards.Technical expertise in GIS methods — deliver to clients and interdisciplinary teams through training sessions, written guides, and one-on-one technical support.Geospatial models — build and validate using advanced analytical software to support planning, environmental assessment, or infrastructure management decisions.GIS data integration pipelines — construct using ETL processes and web services to automate data ingestion from field sensors, open data portals, and partner agencies.Complex spatial problems — analyze and resolve by combining deductive reasoning, mathematical methods, and multi-source data synthesis without external guidance.Reports and technical memoranda — write with precision and clarity to document GIS methodologies, findings, and recommendations for professional or regulatory audiences.
advanced
Enterprise GIS strategy — define and implement across an organization, aligning spatial data infrastructure with business objectives and long-term technology roadmaps.GIS competency frameworks and training curricula — develop and deliver to build technical capability across junior and mid-level technician staff at an organizational scale.Geospatial data governance policies — establish including metadata standards, access controls, and data lifecycle management to ensure enterprise-wide data quality.Cross-functional project teams — lead by coordinating GIS technicians, software developers, and subject-matter experts on large-scale mapping or analytics initiatives.Novel GIS research and development initiatives — direct by evaluating emerging spatial technologies, piloting new analytical methods, and driving adoption of innovations.Stakeholder relationships — cultivate at senior levels by translating complex geospatial capabilities into strategic value for executive decision-makers and external partners.Organization-wide GIS platform architecture — design and oversee including server infrastructure, web services, and mobile data collection systems for enterprise deployment.Quality assurance frameworks — author and enforce for all spatial data products organization-wide, setting measurable accuracy and completeness standards.Budget planning and resource allocation — lead for GIS programs by forecasting technology, staffing, and training investments aligned to departmental or agency priorities.Interdisciplinary collaboration — orchestrate between GIS, engineering, environmental science, and policy teams to deliver integrated spatial intelligence solutions at regional or national scale.
Also known as
32 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
CADD GIS Technician (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Geographic Information Systems Technician)Cartographic TechnicianConversion SpecialistField GIS Technician (Field Geographic Information Systems Technician)Geographic Information System Analyst (GIS Analyst)Geographic Information Systems Administrator (GIS Administrator)Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS Analyst)Geographic Information Systems Application Specialist (GIS Application Specialist)Geographic Information Systems Coordinator (GIS Coordinator)Geographic Information Systems Data Administrator (GIS Data Administrator)Geographic Information Systems Data Specialist (GIS Data Specialist)Geographic Information Systems Database Administrator (GIS Database Administrator)Geographic Information Systems Developer (GIS Developer)Geographic Information Systems Geographer (GIS Geographer)Geographic Information Systems Mapping Technician (GIS Mapping Technician)Geographic Information Systems Technologist (GIS Technologist)Geographical Information System Specialist (GIS Specialist)Geographical Information System Technician (GIS Technician)Geospatial AnalystGeospatial EngineerGeospatial Information TechnologistGeospatial SpecialistGeospatial TechnicianGeospatial TechnologistGIS Consultant (Geographic Information Systems Consultant)GIS Specialist (Geographic Information Systems Specialist)GIS Technician (Geographic Information Systems Technician)Global Position System Technician (GPS Technician)Global Positioning System Field Technician (GPS Field Technician)Global Positioning Systems Analyst Technician (GPS Analyst Technician)Imagery AnalystResource Analyst