Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
GIS technologists and technicians help scientists and professionals build and maintain geographic information systems that store and analyze location-based data. They work in government agencies, environmental organizations, urban planning departments, utilities, and research institutions, supporting databases and sometimes developing custom applications for users who need spatial analysis tools.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against geographic information systems technologists and technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves database maintenance tasks like updating records and checking data quality, troubleshooting system issues for colleagues, and assisting with mapping projects. Technicians might spend time documenting procedures, responding to user questions about how to query the system, and occasionally writing code to automate processes. Work splits between technical problem-solving at a computer and meetings with scientists or planners who need specific geographic analysis completed.
Who this work suits
Holland code CIR. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're detail-oriented and methodical, enjoying systematic problem-solving and following established procedures. You're naturally curious about how systems work and enjoy investigating technical issues, making you well-suited to both supporting complex databases and learning new GIS tools and workflows.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Maintenance Shop Technician · Republic Services · Dixon, Solano County · $71,014–$71,014
- US Tech - Vendor Alliance Senior Manager · PwC · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $218,956–$218,956
- Emergency Department Technician II · KAISER · Roseville, Placer County · $56,302–$56,302
- Customer Service Technician · Agiliti Health · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $39,748–$61,172
- Financial Accounts Technician · Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration · Leavenworth, Kansas · $46150–$59994
- Pharmacy Technician (Inpatient Oncology) · Veterans Health Administration · Long Beach, California · $80677–$104876
- Medical Technician · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Maxwell AFB, Alabama · $50460–$65599
- Surgical Technician · Veterans Health Administration · Saint Cloud, Minnesota · $55012–$71517
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $123,360 | $156,590 | $180,480 | 17,200 |
| Maryland | $114,920 | $144,680 | $165,730 | 19,060 |
| Colorado | $100,150 | $139,580 | $160,520 | 11,800 |
| Virginia | $108,160 | $139,030 | $165,320 | 17,000 |
| Delaware | $103,620 | $137,470 | $170,170 | 860 |
| California | $87,350 | $134,440 | $179,730 | 80,150 |
| Washington | $84,540 | $128,940 | $168,030 | 14,360 |
| Connecticut | $88,980 | $127,720 | $150,440 | 3,100 |
| New Mexico | $92,560 | $127,090 | $167,970 | 1,650 |
| Hawaii | $99,630 | $120,100 | $135,680 | 2,080 |
| New York | $83,790 | $116,990 | $162,510 | 11,460 |
| South Carolina | $80,120 | $112,260 | $136,990 | 4,300 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP) — GIS Certification Institute
- Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (CISSP-ISSAP) — International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) — International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc.
- Information Systems Security Engineering Professional (CISSP-ISSEP) — International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Management (CISSP-ISSMP) — International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc.
- Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) — Construction Specifications Institute
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against geographic information systems technologists and technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 15-1299.02 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.