What is a Geographic Information Systems Technician?
Example of Geographic Information Systems Technician Job 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.
What Do Geographic Information Systems Technicians Do On a Daily Basis?
- Design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases.
- Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.
- Confer with users to analyze, configure, or troubleshoot applications.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
- Recommend procedures or equipment or software upgrades to increase data accessibility or ease of use.
- Analyze Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data for use in urban planning applications that promote better land use or reduce environmental impacts of development.
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Geographic Information Systems Technician Skills
These are the skills Geographic Information Systems Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Other Geographic Information Systems Technician Job Titles
- Geographic Information Systems Mapping Technician (GIS Mapping Technician)
- Geographic Information Systems Specialist (GIS Specialist)
- Global Positioning System Field Technician (GPS Field Technician)
- Technical Support Specialist
- Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist)
Job Outlook for Geographic Information Systems Technicians
In the United States, there were 287,200 jobs for Geographic Information Systems Technician in 2016. 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. The BLS estimates 22,400 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Geographic Information Systems Technician Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Geographic Information Systems Technicians is somewhere between $47,350 and $144,820.
Geographic Information Systems Technicians who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.
How much do Geographic Information Systems Technicians make 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 |
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:
- 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
How do I Become a Geographic Information Systems Technician?
Individuals working as a Geographic Information Systems Technician have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Geographic Information Systems Technician?
Geographic Information Systems Technicians Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related Careers
Those interested in being a Geographic Information Systems Technician may also be interested in:
Are you already one of the many Geographic Information Systems Technician in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: The Opte Project via Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Generic
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