Computer and Mathematical
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.
MAY 2025 · OCCUPATIONAL WAGES
A wage reference for United States.
Published wage percentiles describe a distribution within the source occupation group. They provide context for a career decision; employer packages and job offers have their own terms.
Source wage group: Computer Occupations, All Other
This wage group may include multiple detailed occupations. The figures are for the source group, which may be broader than Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians. They are not an exact-title, employer, experience or seniority match.
May 2025 · USD · United States. Annual and hourly figures are shown only when the source publishes them; neither is calculated from the other.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data, distributed through the O*NET® OnLine service.
Median annual wage$116,580USD per year · Published 50th percentile
Median hourly wage$56.05USD per hour · Published 50th percentile
Annual wage thresholds
USD per year
Hourly wage thresholds
USD per hour
| Percentile | Annual wage (USD/year) | Hourly wage (USD/hour) |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $55,940 | $26.89 |
| 25th | $79,370 | $38.16 |
| 50th · Median | $116,580 | $56.05 |
| 75th | $157,500 | $75.72 |
| 90th | $188,470 | $90.61 |
“≥” means at least the published amount; “≤” means at most that amount. These are bounds, not exact values. “Not published” means the source did not provide that figure. Occupational wages follow the source definition and do not establish an employer’s base salary, equity or total compensation.
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THE WORK BEHIND THE TITLE
What this career involves.
Occupation definitions describe common work. Responsibilities and requirements vary by employer and specific job.
Selected title examples
Cartographic Technician (Cartographic Tech)Field GIS Technician (Field Geographic Information Systems Technician)Geospatial AnalystGeospatial EngineerGeospatial Information TechnologistGeospatial SpecialistGeospatial TechnicianGeospatial TechnologistGIS Admin (Geographic Information Systems Administrator)GIS Analyst (Geographic Information System Analyst)GIS Analyst (Geographic Information Systems Analyst)GIS Application Specialist (Geographic Information Systems Application Specialist)
Expand more title examples (17)
GIS Applications Specialist (Geographic Information Systems Applications Specialist)GIS Assessment Tech (Geographic Information Systems Assessment Technician)GIS Consultant (Geographic Information Systems Consultant)GIS Coordinator (Geographic Information Systems Coordinator)GIS Data Administrator (Geographic Information Systems Data Administrator)GIS Data Specialist (Geographic Information Systems Data Specialist)GIS Database Administrator (Geographic Information Systems Database Administrator)GIS Developer (Geographic Information Systems Developer)GIS Geographer (Geographic Information Systems Geographer)GIS Specialist (Geographic Information Systems Specialist)GIS Specialist (Geographical Information System Specialist)GIS Tech (Geographic Information Systems Technician)GIS Technician (Geographical Information System Technician)GIS Technologist (Geographic Information Systems Technologist)GPS Analyst Technician (Global Positioning Systems Analyst Technician)GPS Field Technician (Global Positioning System Field Technician)GPS Technician (Global Position System Technician)
Typical tasks
- Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.
- Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
- Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.
- Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information.
- 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.
- Interpret aerial or ortho photographs.
Expand more tasks (23)
- Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software.
- Design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications or procedures.
- Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.
- Meet with clients to discuss topics such as technical specifications, customized solutions, or operational problems.
- Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications.
- Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users.
- Design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases.
- Confer with users to analyze, configure, or troubleshoot applications.
- Collect, compile, or integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, such as remote sensing or cartographic data for inclusion in map manuscripts.
- Transfer or rescale information from original photographs onto maps or other photographs.
- Perform integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems.
- Provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, equipment, or applications.
- Conduct research, data analysis, systems design, or support for software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) mapping software.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
- Document, design, code, or test Geographic Information Systems (GIS) models, internet mapping solutions, or other applications.
- Create visual representations of geospatial data, using complex procedures such as analytical modeling, three-dimensional renderings, or plot creation.
- Recommend procedures, equipment, or software upgrades to increase data accessibility or ease of use.
- 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.
- Develop specialized computer software routines, internet-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, or business applications to customize geographic information.
- Assist users in formulating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) requirements or understanding the implications of alternatives.
- Prepare training materials for, or make presentations to, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) users.
- Make recommendations regarding upgrades, considering implications of new or revised Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, equipment, or applications.
- Apply three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) technologies to geospatial data to allow for new or different analyses or applications.
Skills used in this work
- Reading Comprehension
- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Complex Problem Solving
- Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Critical Thinking
- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to 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.
- Monitoring
- Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Speaking
- Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Expand more skills (29)
- Writing
- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- 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.
- Coordination
- Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Programming
- Writing computer programs for various purposes.
- Quality Control Analysis
- Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
- Social Perceptiveness
- Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Systems Analysis
- Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
- Systems Evaluation
- Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
- Service Orientation
- Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Time Management
- Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Learning Strategies
- Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
- Mathematics
- Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Operations Analysis
- Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
- Operations Monitoring
- Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Instructing
- Teaching others how to do something.
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
- Persuasion
- Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
- Science
- Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Technology Design
- Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
- Troubleshooting
- Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
- Negotiation
- Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
- Operation and Control
- Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
- Management of Material Resources
- Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
- Equipment Selection
- Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
- Management of Financial Resources
- Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
- Equipment Maintenance
- Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
- Installation
- Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
- Repairing
- Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
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