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Geographic Information Systems Technician

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All About Geographic Information Systems Technicians

Position Description 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.

List of Geographic Information Systems Technician Job Duties

  • 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.
  • Confer with users to analyze, configure, or troubleshoot applications.
  • Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.
  • Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.
  • Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.
  • Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications.

Things a Geographic Information Systems Technician Should Know How to Do

When polled, Geographic Information Systems Technicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

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.

Types of Geographic Information Systems Technician

  • Global Positioning Systems Analyst Technician (GPS Analyst Technician)
  • Geographic Information Systems Specialist (GIS Specialist)
  • Geographical Information System Technician (GIS Technician)
  • Geospatial Technician
  • Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist)

Job Opportunities for Geographic Information Systems Technicians

There were about 287,200 jobs for Geographic Information Systems Technician in 2016 (in the United States). 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. The BLS estimates 22,400 yearly job openings in this field.

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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.

How Much Does a Geographic Information Systems Technician Make?

The average yearly salary of a Geographic Information Systems Technician ranges between $47,350 and $144,820.

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Geographic Information Systems Technicians who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Geographic Information Systems Technicians in different U.S. states.

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 & Technology 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

Becoming a Geographic Information Systems Technician

What education or degrees do I need to become a Geographic Information Systems Technician?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Geographic Information Systems Technicians Sector

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Below are examples of industries where Geographic Information Systems Technicians work:

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those thinking about becoming a Geographic Information Systems Technician might also be interested in the following careers:

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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