Life As a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist
Job Description: Research or develop geospatial technologies. May produce databases, perform applications programming, or coordinate projects. May specialize in areas such as agriculture, mining, health care, retail trade, urban planning, or military intelligence.
Life As a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist
- Make recommendations regarding upgrades, considering implications of new or revised Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, equipment, or applications.
- Coordinate or direct research or publication activities of technicians or related staff.
- Design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications or procedures.
- Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
- Develop new applications for geospatial technology in areas such as farmland preservation, pollution measurement, or utilities operations management.
- Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users.
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Skills Needed to be a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist
Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Other Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist Job Titles
- Geographic Information Systems Database Administrator (GIS Database Administrator)
- Geospatial Engineer
- Geospatial Program Management Officer
- Geographic Information Systems Data Specialist (GIS Data Specialist)
- Geospatial Intelligence Subject Matter Expert
Are There Job Opportunities for Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists?
There were about 287,200 jobs for Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist 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 Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 22,400 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist 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.
Salary for a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist
The average yearly salary of a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist ranges between $47,350 and $144,820.
Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists 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 Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Extensible markup language XML
- Microsoft SQL Server
- UNIX
How do I Become a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist?
What kind of Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist requirements are there?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists Work?
Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists work in the following industries:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
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