Life As a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist
Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist Job Description Research or develop geospatial technologies. May produce databases, perform applications programming, or coordinate projects. May specialize in areas such as agriculture, mining, health care, retail trade, urban planning, or military intelligence.
Life As a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist
- Coordinate the development or administration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) projects, including the development of technical priorities, client reporting and interface, or coordination and review of schedules and budgets.
- Document, design, code, or test Geographic Information Systems (GIS) models, internet mapping solutions, or other applications.
- Conduct feasibility studies or identify system, time, equipment, or cost requirements for projects.
- Provide technical support for computer-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping software.
- Assist users in formulating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) requirements or understanding the implications of alternatives.
- Make recommendations regarding upgrades, considering implications of new or revised Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, equipment, or applications.
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Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist Needed Skills
When polled, Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve 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.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Geographic Information Systems Coordinator (GIS Coordinator)
- Geographic Information Systems Geographer (GIS Geographer)
- Geographic Information System Analyst (GIS Analyst)
- Geographic Information Systems Data Administrator (GIS Data Administrator)
- Geospatial Specialist
Job Demand for Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 287,200 jobs in the United States for Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist. 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 Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 22,400 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist 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.
Average Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists Salary
Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists make between $47,350 and $144,820 a year.

Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists 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 do Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Extensible markup language XML
- Microsoft SQL Server
- UNIX
Becoming a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist
Learn what Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist education requirements there are.

What work experience do I need to become a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist?

Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists Sector

The table below shows the approximate number of Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists employed by various industries.

Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
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