Life As a Geographic Information Systems Technician

Position Description 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

• Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.
• Transfer or rescale information from original photographs onto maps or other photographs.
• Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.
• Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information.
• Design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases.
• Analyze Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data for use in urban planning applications that promote better land use or reduce environmental impacts of development.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Geographic Information Systems Technician?

When polled, Geographic Information Systems Technicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

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.

Other Geographic Information Systems Technician Job Titles

• Cartographic Technician
• Geographic Information Systems Technician (GIS Technician)
• Geographical Information System Specialist (GIS Specialist)
• Geologist
• Technical Support Specialist

Job Demand for Geographic Information Systems Technicians

There were about 287,200 jobs for Computer Workers in 2016 (in the United States).

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.3% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 26,600 new jobs for Geographic Information Systems Technicians 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 Computer Workers are Washington, California, and Texas.

Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Wyoming, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Geographic Information Systems Technician Salary

The salary for Computer Workers ranges between about $47,350 and $144,820 a year. A Geographic Information Systems Technician median salary is $90,270.

How much do Computer Workers make in different U.S. states?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
District of Columbia	$117,540
Maryland	$113,330
New Hampshire	$112,440
Virginia	$105,270
California	$103,270
Colorado	$102,470
Connecticut	$100,340
New Jersey	$99,210
Alaska	$98,830
Massachusetts	$92,110
South Carolina	$92,100
Washington	$91,620
New York	$90,750
Texas	$90,290
Georgia	$90,140
Hawaii	$89,960
North Carolina	$88,650
Alabama	$87,060
Pennsylvania	$87,040
Nebraska	$86,230
Arizona	$85,010
West Virginia	$83,660
Missouri	$82,610
Ohio	$82,440
Minnesota	$81,650
Rhode Island	$81,290
Mississippi	$81,280
South Dakota	$81,250
Idaho	$80,610
Maine	$79,790
Oregon	$79,610
New Mexico	$79,540
Kentucky	$79,420
Indiana	$79,310
Kansas	$79,300
Florida	$78,900
Iowa	$78,810
Oklahoma	$78,490
Utah	$76,890
Michigan	$76,400
Wyoming	$75,780
Wisconsin	$74,600
Tennessee	$74,000
Arkansas	$73,670
Nevada	$72,610
Vermont	$72,220
North Dakota	$70,730
Montana	$68,430
Louisiana	$66,600

Tools & Technologies Used by Geographic Information Systems Technicians

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Geographic Information Systems Technicians may use on a daily basis:

• Autodesk Land Desktop
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• C
• Job control language JCL
• Extensible markup language XML
• Microsoft SQL Server
• Structured query language SQL
• Hypertext markup language HTML
• Microsoft.NET Framework
• Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator

How do I Become a Geographic Information Systems Technician?

Individuals working as Geographic Information Systems Technicians have obtained the following education levels:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Geographic Information Systems Technicians Work

Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those interested in being a Geographic Information Systems Technician may also be interested in:

• Web Administrators
• Civil Engineering Technicians
• Architectural Drafters

Those who work as Geographic Information Systems Technicians sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

• Software Developers, Systems Software
• City and Regional Planning Aides

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons