Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician specializes in using GIS technology to compile, analyze, and present spatial data. They play a key role in creating maps and visual representations of geographic data for various applications.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 9.7% (far above average)
Annual job openings: 31,300
Direct AI exposure: 24% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 96% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $117K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $56K per year | $79K per year | $117K per year | $158K per year | $188K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $66K above the national average. | ||||
GIS Technicians typically work in office settings, often within government agencies, engineering firms, or environmental organizations. Their work usually involves significant time on computers, analyzing data and creating visualizations, and may occasionally require fieldwork to gather data or verify mapping information.
GIS Technicians combine expertise in geography and technology to provide critical insights through spatial data analysis. They gather data from various sources including satellite imagery, GPS data, and field observations, and use GIS software to create maps and visualizations. These visualizations aid in decision-making across different sectors such as urban planning, environmental conservation, and public safety.
Their role demands strong analytical skills to interpret and integrate diverse data sets and proficiency with GIS software tools. GIS Technicians must also be detail-oriented to ensure accuracy in data collection and analysis. As technology evolves, they must stay current with the latest GIS technologies and methods.
Effective communication skills are essential, as GIS Technicians often work in multidisciplinary teams and need to present their findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. The ability to translate complex geographic data into understandable and actionable information is crucial.
Most GIS Technician roles require a bachelor's degree in geography, geomatics, surveying, or a related field, amounting to about 4 years of post-secondary education. Some positions might accept an associate degree with relevant experience.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
