What You Need to Know About Geographic Information Systems Technician
Geographic Information Systems Technician Job 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.
Life As a Geographic Information Systems Technician
- Provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, equipment, or applications.
- Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.
- Recommend procedures or equipment or software upgrades to increase data accessibility or ease of use.
- Enter data into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, using techniques such as coordinate geometry, keyboard entry of tabular data, manual digitizing of maps, scanning or automatic conversion to vectors, or conversion of other sources of digital data.
- Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information.
- Interpret aerial or ortho photographs.
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Geographic Information Systems Technician Required Skills
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.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Types of Geographic Information Systems Technician Jobs
- Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist)
- Geographic Information Systems Specialist (GIS Specialist)
- Business Analyst
- GIS Consultant (Geographic Information Systems Consultant)
- Geographic Information Systems Technician (GIS Technician)
Job Outlook for Geographic Information Systems Technicians
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 287,200 jobs in the United States for Geographic Information Systems Technician. 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.
Geographic Information Systems Technician Salary
The average yearly salary of a Geographic Information Systems Technician ranges 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 each U.S. state?
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?
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 to Become a Geographic Information Systems Technician
Are there Geographic Information Systems Technicians education requirements?

What work experience do I need to become a Geographic Information Systems Technician?

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References:
Image Credit: The Opte Project via Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.