GIS Analyst - Environmental

Apply geographic information systems and spatial analysis to support environmental planning, natural resource management, climate adaptation, and renewable energy siting decisions. Develop spatial databases, create environmental maps and visualizations, conduct habitat and land use analyses, and integrate remote sensing data to support environmental impact assessments and conservation planning. Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, and engineers to deliver geospatial insights.

Median salary: $78,000. Projected growth to 2033: 8% (faster than average) - driven by environmental data needs and renewable energy siting. Typical education: Bachelor's Degree.

At a glance

Median salary: $78,000
Entry-level: $48,000 - $62,000
Senior: $115,000+
Growth by 2033: 8% (faster than average) - driven by environmental data needs and renewable energy siting
Demand: Growing
Remote: Hybrid
Hours per week: 40-50 hours/week
Stress: Low

What you'd do

People interaction: Moderate
Team vs solo: 50% Team / 50% Solo
Client facing: Sometimes
Impact visibility: Moderate

How to get there

Minimum education: Bachelor's Degree
Licensing: No
Years to mid-career: 2-4 years
Years to senior: 5-8 years
Career switching: Easy
Typical student debt: $25,000 - $50,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

ArcGIS Pro & QGIS Spatial Analysis
Remote Sensing & Satellite Image Analysis
Habitat & Land Use Classification
Renewable Energy Site Suitability Analysis
Environmental Data Management & Geodatabases
Python & R for Geospatial Analysis

Soft skills

Spatial Analysis
Attention to Detail
Written Communication
Data Visualization
Cross-Functional Collaboration

Technical complexity: High

Typical career path

GIS Technician
GIS Analyst
Senior GIS Analyst
GIS Manager
Director of Geospatial Services