What Can You Do With a GIS Degree?

Geographic information systems (GIS) are the backbone of organizations that rely on maps, landscapes, navigation and environmental data. From emergency services to urban planning to climate science, GIS experts inform decisions that save lives, protect natural resources and more. If these exciting careers pique your interest, you’ll need the right combination of academic credentials and experience to advance.

Your path to a rewarding GIS career can start with an online master’s in Geographic Information Science Administration from the University of West Florida. Build hands-on GIS skills and learn through real-world projects. Plus, you’ll gain leadership skills for GIS management and administration.

GIS Career Snapshot

GIS professionals transform land-specific data into complex, interactive maps. For example, GIS technology can design maps related to topography, heat, populations, ocean tides, traffic, city planning and more. Delivering the most useful maps requires skills in cartography, programming and spatial data analysis, plus expertise in GIS software. Some positions might require certification.

These sophisticated skills can transfer to GIS careers across industries. According to Daniel O’Donohue, creator of The MapScaping Podcast, “All GIS roles within every sector will have the same core element—to visually connect the spatial aspect of data and use this to analyze and help inform decision-making processes.”¹ This centralized purpose makes GIS a diverse, thriving field for anyone interested in science and technology.

How Do I Qualify for Geographic Information Science Jobs?

You can find GIS applications in nearly every industry and sector, so you can take a unique path toward the GIS career you want. If you’re interested in a GIS position, start with your bachelor’s degree or an undergraduate certificate, and build a strong foundation of GIS knowledge and skills. According to Vijay K., a GIS business owner, a bachelor’s degree or certificate with a focus on geography, GIS, environmental science or a related field is a good base.² You might also study computer programming, data science or engineering, depending on your interests.

As you learn, you should take opportunities to practice working with any software that is helpful for careers in GIS, such as:

• ArcGIS Desktop
• ArcGIS Pro
• Adobe Illustrator
• Erdas Imagine
• Google Earth
• Leaflet
• PostgreSQL
• PostGIS

In addition to GIS software skills, most GIS careers require proficiency in:

• Computer cartography
• Data mapping
• Data science
• Geo visualization
• Programming
• Spatial databases and statistics

As you learn these tools, consider compiling a portfolio with the maps and artifacts you create so employers can see your proficiency firsthand. The University of West Florida’s online master’s in GIS Administration helps you build experience with the specialized software listed above, so you can showcase your new skills for career advancement.

With an undergraduate degree and essential skills, most GIS professionals seek experience in an internship or through volunteer organizations. Internships are a valuable way to create and analyze spatial data, implement GIS software, hone communication with stakeholders and follow GIS projects from start to finish.

Stand out for entry level GIS technician roles by pursuing GIS certifications from professional organizations, which boosts your credibility and shows your dedication to continuous learning. Some of the most recognizable certifications in the field are offered by:

• American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS)
• Esri (Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.)
• GIS Certification Institute
• United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF)

In the first few years of GIS work experience, GIS business owner Vijay K. encourages GIS professionals to stay on top of GIS software updates, explore new GIS tools and features, practice advanced techniques and network with colleagues, managers and GIS organizations.² Your dedication and initiative will set you apart for advancement into GIS specialist and analyst roles. If you’d like to move into GIS leadership, you’ll need additional skills depending on the role. Many administrative careers in GIS incorporate elements of:

• Consultation
• Human resources
• E-Business
• Financial management
• Project management

GIS managers and administrators will be most successful with their master’s degree. Payscale reports that a postgraduate GIS degree is especially helpful for aspiring GIS managers without several years of work in the field; plus, advanced degrees increase salary and advancement potential.³ Graduate programs give aspiring GIS leaders the opportunity to develop and hone management skills while building specialized knowledge for their field.

The online M.S. in GIS Administration from the University of West Florida incorporates core coursework in both GIS and business, preparing graduates for leadership in GIS careers. UWF also offers online undergraduate and graduate GIS certificate programs that can be completed in 12 months.

What is the Outlook for Geographic Information Science Jobs?

No matter which industry you’re interested in, careers in GIS are booming. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, as a whole, GIS technologists, technicians, analysts, specialists and coordinators in the U.S. held 449,400 positions in 2022; faster-than-average growth will add 33,500 jobs each year from 2022 to 2032.⁴ Generalist GIS careers within this group usually progress from technician to specialist, analyst, and then management/administration.

GIS Technician⁵

• 1-4 years of experience: $41,720 per year
• 5-9 years of experience: $47,780 per year

GIS technicians create GIS databases, populate data, create map systems and review existing designs. They may also conduct research projects and provide technical support to their department. Most employers require a bachelor’s degree plus around two years of GIS experience.

GIS Specialist⁶

• 1-4 years of experience: $57,540 per year
• 5-9 years of experience: $66,530 per year

GIS specialists have mastery of GIS software, and create fine-tuned visualizations for print, digital and spatial formats. They also oversee the maintenance of GIS hardware, software and databases. Most employers require a bachelor’s degree in GIS or a related field, but some may prefer a master’s degree.

GIS Analyst⁷

• 1-4 years of experience: $58,064 per year
• 5-9 years of experience: $66,839 per year

GIS analysts bring advanced programming skills to their roles, usually ArcGis, JavaScript, Python and HTML. In the future, GIS analysts might include AI and machine learning (ML) in their work. Applicants with graduate education and professional experience will have better success securing GIS analyst positions.

GIS Manager³

• 1-4 years of experience: $59,935 per year
• 5-9 years of experience: $77,596 per year

GIS managers can fulfill all the expectations of technicians, specialists and analysts if needed. Primarily, they supervise the day-to-day operations of GIS teams and ensure that high quality projects are completed on time. They also oversee hiring, training and budgeting. Employers prefer a graduate degree in GIS plus work experience.

GIS Developer⁸

• 1-4 years of experience: $59,395 per year
• 5-9 years of experience: $68,727 per year

GIS developers conceptualize, design, test and implement GIS software and programs. These GIS professionals need expertise in programming, data collection, database management and SQL.

Explore Exciting Careers in GIS

Nearly every sector and industry of the economy relies on GIS to make strategic decisions and stay competitive. Whether you would like to move into a GIS career or advance in your current GIS position, a graduate degree gives you the credentials and skills you need for jobs in these fields and more:

• Agriculture
• App development
• Business
• Construction
• Cybersecurity
• Emergency response
• Engineering
• Forensics
• Forestry
• GIS research
• Navigation
• Public health and safety
• Transportation
• Utilities

In several of these GIS careers, experts are crucial to safety and security. They map cyberspace and digital networks to enhance an organization’s cybersecurity, and they guide emergency services through the fastest route to people in need. In forestry, GIS professionals predict, track and prevent wildfires. Forensics investigations rely on GIS technology to track offenders, collect evidence and organize crime reports. GIS teams are also at the heart of conservation, climate science, mapping and urban planning.

Spotlight: Conservation and Climate Science Careers

GIS is pivotal to careers in conservation, climate science, environmental resource management, habitat preservation, wildlife tracking and more. GIS applications create interactive maps with location-specific data, so scientists and researchers can work with data in more productive ways. For example, GIS can map and track climate patterns and predict patterns in the weather. GIS can also monitor the activity of endangered wildlife, which helps conservationists protect their habitats and natural resources.

• Conservation and climate scientists in the U.S. made an average base salary of $57,129 in 2024; skills in geographic information systems (GIS) and data analysis are correlated to pay that is 5% above average.⁹
• Environmental scientists in the U.S. made an average base salary of $58,203 in 2024, and those with data modeling skills earned a 39% higher salary.¹⁰
• In the U.S., environmental consultants with data modeling skills earned an average base salary of $84,580 in 2022.¹¹

Spotlight: Urban Planner Careers

Urban planners are responsible for efficient, sustainable development of cities and towns. They strive to make the best use of developed land and conserve resources whenever possible. Those with GIS experience can pursue urban planning careers that are both diverse and rewarding. Urban planners turn to GIS technology to address:

• Crime mapping and analysis
• Land use planning and management
• Solid waste management
• Spatial planning
• Urban infrastructure and utilities
• Urban transportation

GIS is also the cornerstone of smart cities, an emerging sector that aims to use technology to optimize a community’s resources and improve quality of life for its residents.

• As of May 2023, urban planners in the U.S. made a median annual wage of $81,800 per year.¹²
• About 3,700 openings for urban and regional planners are projected in the U.S. each year, on average, from 2022 to 2032.¹²

Are You Ready to Land Your Ideal GIS Career?

Build the business and leadership skills you need to advance your GIS career or transition into geospatial science. Explore UWF’s online M.S. in Geographic Information Science Administration program to learn more about how to become a well-rounded GIS professional ready to pursue career advancement in virtually any industry.

Sources

1. O’Donohue, Daniel. “GIS Careers: Paths, Growth and Outlook.” The MapScaping Podcast. May 26, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://mapscaping.com/gis-careers-a-mixed-bag-of-opportunity/.
2. Vijay K. “Navigating the Path to a GIS Career: A Comprehensive Guide.” LinkedIn Pulse. January 13, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/navigating-path-gis-career-comprehensive-guide-vijay-k-fr6oc/.
3. PayScale. “Average Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Manager Salary.” July 8, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Geographic_Information_Systems_(GIS)_Manager/Salary.  
4. O*NET OnLine. “Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians: 15-1299.02.” Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1299.02.
5. PayScale. “Average Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician Hourly Pay.” June 4, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Geographic_Information_Systems_(GIS)_Technician/Hourly_Rate.
6. PayScale. “Average Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist Salary.” July 24, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Geographic_Information_Systems_(GIS)_Specialist/Salary.
7. PayScale. “Average Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst Salary.” July 20, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Geographic_Information_Systems_(GIS)_Analyst/Salary. 
8. PayScale. “Average Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Developer Salary.” October 30, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Geographic_Information_Systems_(GIS)_Developer/Salary.
9. PayScale. “Average Conservation Scientist Salary.” June 4, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Conservation_Scientist/Salary.
10. PayScale. “Average Environmental Scientist Salary.” July 18, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Environmental_Scientist/Salary.
11. PayScale. “Average Environmental Consultant with Data Modeling Skills Salary.” June 16, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Environmental_Consultant/Salary/db4c6f90/Data-Modeling.
12. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Urban and Regional Planners.” April 17, 2024. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Life-Physical-and-Social-Science/Urban-and-regional-planners.htm.