All About Geographic Information Systems Technicians
Geographic Information Systems Technician Definition 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
- 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.
- Provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, equipment, or applications.
- Participate in projects that map changes in carbon emissions levels across different geographic locations, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data.
- Recommend procedures or equipment or software upgrades to increase data accessibility or ease of use.
- Design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases.
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Skills Needed to be a Geographic Information Systems Technician
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Global Positioning System Field Technician (GPS Field Technician)
- Technical Support Specialist
- Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS Analyst)
- Geographical Information System Technician (GIS Technician)
- Cartographic 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. 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 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.
Salary for a Geographic Information Systems Technician
The salary for Geographic Information Systems Technicians ranges between about $47,350 and $144,820 a year.
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 do I Become a Geographic Information Systems Technician?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Geographic Information Systems Technician?
What work experience do I need to become a Geographic Information Systems Technician?
Where Geographic Information Systems Technicians Are Employed
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being a Geographic Information Systems Technician may also be interested in:
Career changers with experience as a Geographic Information Systems Technician sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: The Opte Project via Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Generic
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