Geographic Information Systems Technician

Impact: Indirect

Operates and maintains geographic information systems (GIS) hardware and software, digitizes and converts data, and produces maps and reports. Supports GIS specialists and analysts in various projects.

What the day looks like

People interaction
Moderate
Team vs solo
Balanced
Client facing
Rarely
Impact visibility
Moderate
Travel
Low
Schedule flexibility
Moderate
Remote work
Hybrid
Typical work hours
40
Stress level
Moderate

At a glance

Median salary
$60,000
Entry-level
$45,000
Senior
$80,000
Growth by 2033
7%
Demand
Growing
Freelance potential
Moderate
Salary growth potential
10%
Typical student debt
$25,000 - $40,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

  • GIS Software (ArcGIS
  • QGIS)
  • Cartography
  • Data Analysis
  • Database Management

Soft skills

  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • Critical Thinking

Technical complexity: High

How to get there

Minimum education
Associate's or Bachelor's degree
Licensing
No
Years to mid-career
4
Years to senior
8
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

    Where you can go from here

      Typical progression

      1. GIS Analyst, GIS Specialist, GIS Manager

      Future outlook

      Automation probability
      20%
      AI disruption risk
      Moderate
      Demand trend
      Growing

      How people feel about it

      Overall satisfaction
      4/10
      Meaning
      4/10
      Work-life balance
      3.5/10
      Prestige
      6/10
      Social perception
      High

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