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Technology

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Assist scientists 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.

Median salary (BLS)

$116,580

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$56k – $188k

Job outlook

+8% (faster than average)

AI exposure

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports one wage for this occupational group, which covers 9 related roles — so read the median as an approximate group figure, and the range as the truer picture for this specific title. BLS source.

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $109,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

Plan my path to this →

How to qualify

Estimate

Cost to qualify

$8,300–$24,000

Time to qualify

2.3 yr

Renewal

—

  1. 1

    Associate degree (community college)

    Degree

    Two years at in-district rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $4,050/yr, plus ~$1,200/yr books & supplies.

    $8,000–$22,000 · 2 years source

  2. 2

    Industry certification (optional)

    Certification

    Vendor certifications (AWS, CompTIA, Google, Microsoft…) are a common entry booster, rarely a hard requirement.

    $300–$2,000 · 3 months source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

    Entry / Junior

    $55,940

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

    Established

    $116,580

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

    Senior

    $152,525

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
  • •Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications.
  • •Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.
  • •Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users.
  • •Perform computer programming, data analysis, or software development for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, including the maintenance of existing systems or research and development for future enhancements.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Technology

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.