What Does it Take to Be a Geographic Information Systems Technician?
Geographic Information Systems Technician Definition Assist scientists, technologists, 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.
A Day in the Life of a Geographic Information Systems Technician
- Analyze Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data to identify spatial relationships or display results of analyses, using maps, graphs, or tabular data.
- Interpret aerial or ortho photographs.
- Transfer or rescale information from original photographs onto maps or other photographs.
- Analyze Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data to determine the best locations for renewable energy sites, including solar or wind energy installations.
- Analyze Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data for use in urban planning applications that promote better land use or reduce environmental impacts of development.
- Provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, equipment, or applications.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Geographic Information Systems Technician?
Geographic Information Systems Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Related Job Titles
- Geographic Information Systems Coordinator (GIS Coordinator)
- Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS Analyst)
- Geographic Information Systems Technician (GIS Technician)
- GIS Consultant (Geographic Information Systems Consultant)
- Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist)
Is There Job Demand for Geographic Information Systems Technicians?
There were about 287,200 jobs for Geographic Information Systems Technician in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 26,600 new jobs for Geographic Information Systems Technician by 2026. There will be an estimated 22,400 positions for Geographic Information Systems Technician per year.
The states with the most job growth for Geographic Information Systems Technician are Washington, Utah, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maryland, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Geographic Information Systems Technicians Salary
Geographic Information Systems Technicians make between $47,350 and $144,820 a year.
Geographic Information Systems Technicians who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Geographic Information Systems Technicians in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $87,060 |
| Alaska | $98,830 |
| Arizona | $85,010 |
| Arkansas | $73,670 |
| California | $103,270 |
| Colorado | $102,470 |
| Connecticut | $100,340 |
| District of Columbia | $117,540 |
| Florida | $78,900 |
| Georgia | $90,140 |
| Hawaii | $89,960 |
| Idaho | $80,610 |
| Indiana | $79,310 |
| Iowa | $78,810 |
| Kansas | $79,300 |
| Kentucky | $79,420 |
| Louisiana | $66,600 |
| Maine | $79,790 |
| Maryland | $113,330 |
| Massachusetts | $92,110 |
| Michigan | $76,400 |
| Minnesota | $81,650 |
| Mississippi | $81,280 |
| Missouri | $82,610 |
| Montana | $68,430 |
| Nebraska | $86,230 |
| Nevada | $72,610 |
| New Hampshire | $112,440 |
| New Jersey | $99,210 |
| New Mexico | $79,540 |
| New York | $90,750 |
| North Carolina | $88,650 |
| North Dakota | $70,730 |
| Ohio | $82,440 |
| Oklahoma | $78,490 |
| Oregon | $79,610 |
| Pennsylvania | $87,040 |
| Rhode Island | $81,290 |
| South Carolina | $92,100 |
| South Dakota | $81,250 |
| Tennessee | $74,000 |
| Texas | $90,290 |
| Utah | $76,890 |
| Vermont | $72,220 |
| Virginia | $105,270 |
| Washington | $91,620 |
| West Virginia | $83,660 |
| Wisconsin | $74,600 |
| Wyoming | $75,780 |
What Tools do Geographic Information Systems Technicians Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Geographic Information Systems Technicians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- SAP
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Visio
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Structured query language SQL
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Extensible markup language XML
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Geographic information system GIS software
Becoming a Geographic Information Systems Technician
What education or degrees do I need to become a Geographic Information Systems Technician?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Geographic Information Systems Technicians?
Below are examples of industries where Geographic Information Systems Technicians work:
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Geographic Information Systems Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Geographic Information Systems Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: The Opte Project via Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Generic
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